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BIOL2481: CELL BIOLOGY

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 2
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Biosciences

Prerequisites

  • Level 1 Molecules and Cells BIOL1281.

Corequisites

  • At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences Module

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To describe how the organisation of cellular architecture in eukaryotic cells contributes to their basic functions in movement, division, shape and survival.
  • To develop an understanding of the principles which determine structure-function relationships in cells throughout their lifespans.
  • To explain the molecular mechanisms which determine and regulate key cellular functions.

Content

  • Regulation of cell proliferation and death.
  • Dynamics of cytoskeletal networks and cell migration.
  • Targetting of proteins and vesicles to their correct intracellular locations.
  • Interactions of cells with the extracellular matrix.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of how the various components of the cytoskeleton are organised and how they contribute to cell shape and movement.
  • Knowledge of components of the extracellular matrix.
  • Knowledge of the mechanisms for determining that proteins are routed to their correct cellular locations.
  • Knowledge of mechanisms regulating cell division and cell death.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • To be able to integrate structural information on the various components of the living cell with cellular functions such as motility, survival and division.
  • To have intermediate level skills in microscopic and imaging techniques for visualising cellular components.

Key Skills:

  • Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
  • Data analysis, in interpretation and critical analysis of sample experimental data.
  • Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in evolution practical reports.
  • Team work.
  • Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures24Weekly2 hours p/w24 
Practical Exercises3 1 or 2 per term4 hours12Yes
Tutorials21 per term1 hour2Yes
Workshops4214Yes
Preparation & Reading158 

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Practical skills and data handling50Yes
Group exercise 50Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate.

More information

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Current Students: Please contact your department.