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2009/10 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY1112 Cell Biology

20 creditsClass Size: 400

Module manager: Dr. Jurgen Denecke
Email: J.Denecke@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2009/10

Module replaces

BLGY1111

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

This core course in biology aims to provide basic conceptual understanding of Cell Biology and Biochemistry to underpin later studies in applied biology, genetics, microbial, plant and animal physiology, developmental biology and molecular cell biology.

Learning outcomes
Students should gain insight into:

- the bio-molecules that give rise to cellular structures and how they can be studied experimentally;
- the cell as a self-replicating and self-sustaining unit upon which all higher forms are built;
- energy metabolism and adaptive processes to optimise the use of biomass or other energy sources from a cellular perspective;
- the significance of cell compartmentalisation and cellular structures to cope with specialised reactions;
- the introduction to the concept of cell polarity and developmental biology;
- how to appreciate genetic and biochemical approaches involved in exploring cell biology;
- the extent to which phenotypic variation between cells allows them to adopt specialised roles within a multi cellular organism;
- the impact basic research has on applied biology including biotechnology;
- an understanding of ways in which pathogens use host cell machinery for their own purpose.

Skills outcomes
Ability to read and use appropriate literature, paper and electronic sources. Personal time management, action planning and work ethic.

Syllabus

The lecture course will explore the structure and function of cells, and cover aspects ranging from basic energy metabolism in micro organisms to higher order structures including the complexity and purpose of cell compartmentalisation in higher life-forms. The way in which cells containing identical genetic information develop into specialised cell types to form tissues with different functions will be used to introduce the concept of cell polarity and development of multicellular organisms.

The scope of the course involves model organisms and special cases, will include plant and animal examples, and aims to provide the foundation for the study of more complex and ethically sensitive organisms (i.e. humans) which are generally not subject to rigorous experimental analysis.

The course also aims at illustrating how multidisciplinary approaches will be crucial for the new post genomic research era we are starting to explore, depending not only on classic biology and biochemistry, but also involving mathematics and physics.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	54	1.00	54.00
Practical	4	3.00	12.00
Tutorial	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			124.00
Total Contact hours			76.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

124 hours: test book chapters will be recommended, worksheets will be provided during the lectures.

Practice short answers: during semester 1, weeks 6 & 7.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Three formative in-course MCQ tests will give an indication of student progress and opportunities to provide feedback.

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

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

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 25/05/2010

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