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.
Pre-requisite modules
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
- None
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23 |
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.
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)
This module builds upon stage 1 modules (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology).
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 40 |
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
None
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.
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 40 |
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
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.
These are available through the VLE module site.