2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL3400 Skills in the Cell Biology of Human Disease

20 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Professor Nicola Stonehouse
Email: n.j.stonehouse@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisite qualifications

Satisfactory completion of, and performances in, the first and second medical years or other programme, as appropriate.

Co-requisites

BIOL2111	Genetic Engineering
MICR2120	Cell Biology of Disease

This module is mutually exclusive with

BIOL2301	Intermediate Skills for Biological Sciences
BIOL2305	Integrated Skills for Biosciences 2
BIOL3305	Advanced Skills in the Biosciences

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will provide training in experimental techniques relevant to the multi-disciplinary area of cell biology as applied to human disease as well as analysis of numerical data and research papers, problem solving, teamwork and presentation skills.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should:
- have laboratory skills in gene cloning and expression;
- be aware of up-to-date developments, hypotheses and controversies in cell biology;
- have developed skills in the analysis and interpretation of experimental data and the construction of arguments;
- have developed the ability to express themselves clearly during oral and written presentations (to both scientific and lay audiences).

Learning outcomes
At the end of the module, students will be able to:
- use an extended range of laboratory equipment and practical techniques relevant to the cell biology of human disease;
- be proficient in the design of controlled experiments and in the recording, analysis and interpretation of a variety of experimental data.
- possess a good understanding of the approaches used to study cell biological processes and be proficient in the handling of numerical data;
- appreciate ethical issues associated with cell biology.
Skills outcomes
At the end of the module, students will
- be able to manage knowledge, data evaluation and problem solving, sourcing, selecting & interpreting data;
- have technical competence in laboratory techniques and experimental design in cell biology as well as being able to analyse data, develop accuracy and IT skills;
- have self-management, time-management and planning skills;
- be able to manage relationships, develop teamwork, decision taking, learning from others, be able to share and receive critiques;
- have presentation skills developed through lab reports, written answers and oral presentations.

Syllabus

Students will undertake a range of laboratory-based experiments using biochemical and molecular techniques including gene cloning and protein expression, PCR, electrophoresis, bioinformatics and aseptic technique.
Through these experiments they will develop their technical competence, as well as their ability to record results, interpret a wider variety of data types and form conclusions that do not exceed reasonable interpretation of the data.
Students will participate in group exercises: a series of general themes of topical importance to cell biology will be considered. Students will attend seminars given by both academic staff and guest lecturers, which will address recent developments in cell biology.
Students will develop problem-solving skills and will be taught how to analyse research papers and present their findings orally.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Class tests, exams and assessment	2	2.00	4.00
Lecture	2	1.00	2.00
Practical	6	6.00	36.00
Seminar	3	2.00	6.00
Tutorial	4	2.00	8.00
Private study hours			144.00
Total Contact hours			56.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

144 hours

Lecture study: 3h per lecture = 6 hours
Preparation for lab: 4h per session = 24 hours
Lab report writing: 7.5h per report = 15 hours
Preparation for seminars and tutorials: 5h per session = 35 hours
Preparation for assessed coursework = 54 hours
Independent private study (including attendance at School Research Seminars): 10 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored:
- by weekly checking of laboratory books and proformas as well as supervision by demonstrators during the laboratory sessions.
- continuously in tutorials/seminars.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Practical report: 2 practical reports in Semester 1 (1 formative, 1 summative)	40.00
Presentation	2 verbal presentations	30.00
Assignment	Research Paper Summary	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 17/04/2019

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