BIOL1281: MOLECULES AND CELLS

• 'A' Level Biology OR Chemistry.

• None.

• None

• To study the fundamentals of life at the level of cells and their molecular components.
• To introduce proteins and biological membranes, and their roles in the cell.
• To introduce cellular metabolism through a study of the central energy-generating processes.
• To introduce cell biology through studying the functional roles of systems of macromolecules

• Protein structure and function; from simple biochemistry to complex functional biological molecules
• Cells and membranes; components of membranes and their functions, roles of membranes in the cell.
• Basic concepts of metabolism, and metabolic processes used by cells to generate energy.
• Functional properties of cells, including structural components, cell-cell interaction, and signalling processes.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Understanding the biochemical bases of physical properties of biological molecules.
• Basic knowledge of the structure and functions of proteins.
• Basic knowledge of the structures of biological membranes and their components, and understanding of their functional roles.
• Basic understanding of cellular metabolism, and knowledge of energy-generating processes.
• Basic knowledge of the functions of major structural components of the cell, and of cellular organelles.
• Basic knowledge of cellular communication and signalling processes.

Subject-specific Skills:

• To be able to understand and report on experimental work in biochemistry and cell biology.
• To be able to apply problem-solving skills to practical problems in biochemistry and cell biology, including the use of mathematics and biochemical analysis.

Key Skills:

• Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculations involved in biochemistry problems.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in molecualr and cell biology practical reports.
• Team work.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Practical exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Practical exercises are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis.
• Problem exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy applied to biochemistry and cell biology.
• Unseen examinations demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology, with an emphasis on understanding and communication (essay and problem-based questions) or recall of factual knowledge (multiple choice or short answer question tests).

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