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Cell Biology - BIO00011I

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  • Department: Biology
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Nia Bryant
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2020-21

Module summary

This module will deal with fundamental aspects of cell biology. Topics covered include the cytoskeleton, cell signalling, cell motility, cell adhesion, apoptosis and membrane trafficking. We will consider how knowledge in these areas contributes to our understanding of cell differentiation, tissue remodelling and development of complex multicellular organisms.

 

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching cycle
A Autumn Term 2020-21 to Summer Term 2020-21

Module aims

This module will deal with fundamental aspects of cell biology. Topics covered include the cytoskeleton, cell signalling, cell motility, cell adhesion, apoptosis and membrane trafficking. We will consider how knowledge in these areas contributes to our understanding of cell differentiation, tissue remodelling and development of complex multicellular organisms.

Throughout the module we will discuss how defects in regulation of cell biological processes underpins a wide variety of disease states, and how an cell biological processes are manipulated for biotech applications. The module includes workshop and practical sessions desinged to develop and experimental design and problem solving skills.

Module learning outcomes

1. Describe the basic architecture of eukaryotic cells, including structure and function of key components.

2. Describe regulatory mechanisms that allow cells to respond to changes in their environment.

3. Design experimental strategies to investigate cell biological processes

4. Solve problems pertaining to cell biological processes in health and disease

5. Analyse and interpret experimental data

6. Integrate concepts from across the module to explain higher order cell function(s)

Module content

This module builds upon stage 1 modules (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology).

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
24 hour open exam
Cell Biology (Spring)		 N/A 40
24 hour open exam
Cell Biology (Summer)		 N/A 60

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The summative closed exam will comprise problem solving and experiment design questions, with some factual recall within these questions.

Students will test their knowledge on the lecture material through multiple choice tests, released on the VLE after each topic block. Problem solving workshops will follow each block.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
24 hour open exam
Cell Biology (Spring)		 N/A 40
24 hour open exam
Cell Biology (Summer)		 N/A 60

Module feedback

Cohort-level feedback will be provided on performance in closed exams and made available via the VLE. Histograms of module marks will be posted on the notice boards outside the Biology Student Services office. Individual marks will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Exam scripts will be made available at the end of either the Spring or Summer terms. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.

During the teaching of the module you will receive feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Forms of feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.  

Indicative reading

These are available through the VLE module site.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to courses

The 2020/21 academic year will start in September. We aim to deliver as much face-to-face teaching as we can, supported by high quality online alternatives where we must.

Find details of the measures we're planning to protect our community.

Course changes for new students