2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY1115 Introduction to Cell Biology: from Molecules to Cells and Tissues

10 creditsClass Size: 140

Module manager: Dr Glyn Hemsworth
Email: G.R.Hemsworth@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

A Level Biology or equivalent.

This module is mutually exclusive with

BIOL1112	The Molecules of Life
FOBS1135	The Basis of Life

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The lecture course will explore the structure and function of cells, and cover aspects ranging from micro organisms to higher order structures including the complexity and purpose of cell compartmentalisation in higher life-forms. The scope of the course will include microbial, plant and animal examples, and aims to provide the foundation for the study of more complex and ethically sensitive organisms (ie 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.

Objectives

This course in biology aims to provide basic conceptual understanding of Cell Biology and the underlying 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;
- DNA replication and cell division
- the significance of cell compartmentalisation and cellular structures to cope with specialised reactions;
- lipids and cell membranes, including transporters, channels and cell signalling;
- intracellular structures, including organelles, cytoskeleton and molecular motors;
- the introduction to the concept of cell polarity and developmental biology;
- how to appreciate genetic and biochemical approaches involved in exploring cell biology.

Skills outcomes
Ability to read, analyse, summarise and remember appropriate literature, paper and electronic sources, and formulate complex biological processes using an ever expanding repertoire of terms and expressions.

Syllabus

The lecture course will explore the structure and function of cells, and cover aspects ranging from 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 concepts of cell polarity, cell adhesion, and plant and animal development.

The scope of the course will include microbial, plant and animal examples, and it aims to provide the foundation for the study of more complex and ethically sensitive organisms (ie 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	22	1.00	22.00
Independent online learning hours			30.00
Private study hours			48.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

48 hours of private study.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student attendance at lectures will be monitored in line with standard faculty practice.
- Completion of coursework MRQ tests.
- Engagement with VLE resources.
- voluntary drop-in sessions.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	30 min online MRQ test (to be completed in a single attempt within a 24 hour time-frame, restricted to a defined duration once the test starts)	50.00
In-course MCQ	30 min online MRQ test (to be completed in a single attempt within a 24 hour time-frame, restricted to a defined duration once the test starts)	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Further guidance on the assessment will be provided in Minerva.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/09/2023

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