University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJ4T-10-2 Title: CELL BIOLOGY L2 Version: 3

Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 10 ECTS credit rating: 5

Module type: STANDARD

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2003 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: Cell Biology L1 USSJ43-10-1

Learning outcomes:

      • critically compare the ultra structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the integrated function of their respective cell organelles

      • interpret electronmicrographs, and identify key cell components and EM staining techniques

      • explain key concepts in the transport of materials across cell membranes

      • evaluate the techniques used in cell biology (such as fractionation, light and electron microscopy) to specific kinds of information obtained

      • carry out various staining techniques to demonstrate cell organelles

      • gain experience in practical laboratory skills in staining, cell and tissue group work and data interpretation

Syllabus outline:

      • Structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

      Generalised bacterial cell, cell wall, flagella, fimbriae and pili. The generalised eukaryotic cell, the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi complex, lysosomes, the mitochondrion, specialised plant organelles, centrioles, cilia, and flagella, cell junctions.

      • Structure and function of cell membranes.

      Chemical composition, electron microscope appearance, molecular models, transport across membranes, diffusion / osmosis, membrane transport proteins, facilitated diffusion, carrier proteins, transmembrane hydrophilic channels, active transport, exocytosis and endocytosis.

      • Cell Biology techniques.

      Light microscopy, components of the compound microscope, the transmission electron microscope (TEM), the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Preparative techniques for the LM, TEM and SEM, the fractionation of cells and their contents, cytochemistry, autoradiography.

Teaching and learning methods:

    Lectures will be used to present and introduce key concepts. Student learning will be supported by an in-house interactive student guide, with self-assessment and multiple-choice questions at the end of every chapter. This will be reinforced by computer-aided learning. Some factual information will be covered by directed reading and student-centred learning exercises.

    Practical work, which will involve staining of cell organelles and interpretation of electron micrographs, will amplify lecture material and will provide opportunities for group work, and discussions with academic staff.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

      • Harker, D. ‘The Essentials of Cell Biology’ (2003) In-house publication (core text)

      • Tobin, A.J. & Morel, R.E. ‘Asking about Cells’ (1997) Saunders

      • Alberts, B et al.. ‘Essential Cell Biology’ (2003) Garland Publishing

      • Lodish, H. et al.. ‘Molecular Cell Biology’ (2004) Freeman Paperback

      • Alberts, B et al.. ‘The Molecular Biology of the Cell’ (2002) Garland Publishing

Relevant Journals in Biological and Biomedical Science

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 40% B: 60%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

EX2

Examination (2 Hours)

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

WA1

written assignment

1

   

     
 

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX2

Examination (2 Hours)

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

WA1

Written assignment 1

1

     
     
 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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