Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
This module aims to:
Introduce students to the fundamental principles of cell biology and biodiversity
Explore the biophysical chemistry of living systems, including the roles of cell membranes
Consider the specialised function of specific cell types and communication within and between cells
Lectures and seminars cover the following topics:
Biodiversity: the place and relationship that humans have in and with life on Earth.
Cells: basic eukaryotic cell structure; function of membrane proteins; intracellular sorting and transport; cytoskeleton and cell movement; cell growth and division.
Transport: The mammalian cell and its environment; types of membrane transport.
Excitable Cells: membrane potentials; the action potential; signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction; muscle contraction; functional neural pathways. Biophysics: life based in water; reactions in water; life and growth is limited by resource; acids and bases; chemical energy and electrical energy.
Cell Signaling: general principles of cell communication; signalling through cell surface receptors; regulation of signalling pathways.
Endocrinology: introduction to endocrinology; the hypothalamus and pituitary; the thyroid gland and control of metabolism; the adrenal glands and gonads.
The Cell Biology practical skills strand consists of laboratory-based practicals on: microscopic observation of unicellular eukaryotes; osmosis, pH and buffers; and neuromuscular function.
Online material will supplement practical skills in advance of and following each session as formative pre-and post-practical quizzes.
The module is offered ONLY to Study abroad and exchange students. Students on other programmes in the School
of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences may take the same practical classes as part of CMB1011.
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Formative assessment (mid-semester). In-person, invigilated online Digital Exam via Inspera. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Lab report preparation and completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 29 | 1:00 | 29:00 | In person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | In person labs |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | In-person. Seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | In-person Q+A session |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 141:00 | 141:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Each of the 3 labs has some pre and post online quiz that needs to be completed. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Each practical has a 1 hour online post practical seminar/tutorial via zoom |
| Total | 200:00 |
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CMB1004 | Cell Biology |
| CMB1011 |
Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study. Seminars will encourage students to develop their understanding of the subject and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas in a small group setting. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication & team working.
Private study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts; preparation for seminars; using learning resources on the Web. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.
Practicals will provide experience of laboratory work; information presented in practicals will include knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of essential practical techniques and laboratory health and safety.
Students will gain hands-on experience of a range of practical techniques and safe laboratory practice. Practical classes will allow students to develop skills in recording and analysing biological data, carrying out scientific calculations and using computers. Practicals also provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas with peers, demonstrators and academic staff in a relatively informal setting. Skills practised include critical thinking, data synthesis, numeracy & use of computer applications.
Independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts relevant to the practicals; preparation for practicals and completing assessments.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 75 | In-person invigilated (Inspera), quiz format questions, maximum 120 questions. |
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Biology | 1 | N/A |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 25 | Students will be allocated 1 of 3 labs to write up as a formal lab report (800 words) (does not include research article or reflection section). |
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 1 | M | In-person invigilated timed quiz format (Inspera), maximum 45 questions. 45 minutes |
| Lab exercise | 1 | M | Each lab has an online pre and post-practical quiz that should be completed. |
The end-of-semester examination assess knowledge and understanding of the course material. The formative quiz
format questions will help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as
familiarise students with the format of a quiz format exam via Inspera.
Formative pre and post-practical quizzes will support student's understanding of the theory and practical skills
associated with each of the 3 labs.
The lab report will help students knowledge and understanding off practical techniques, alongside their ability to record and analyse biological data.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.