BMD1005 : Cells to Systems (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Harley Stevenson-Cocks
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Suzanne Madgwick
- Lecturer: Dr Chris Derrick, Dr Paul Hubbard, Professor David Kennedy, Dr Jack Leslie
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aims of this module are to:
Provide foundational knowledge of cellular developmental biology, membrane transport and excitability in the context of bioscience.
Develop student understanding of key physiological systems and their relevance to health and disease, and explore the integration of cellular processes with these systems.
Develop and enhance students’ practical and analytical skills in the context of cellular and systems physiology.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics covered by this module will include:
Fundamentals of developmental biology and how cells interact with each other.
Principles of cellular excitability and membrane transport.
Foundational cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and neurophysiology.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | Lecture materials and activities to support engagement with lecture content throughout the module |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 7:00 | 7:00 | Preparation for in-course and summative examinations and coursework, including completion of pre/post-practical quizzes to consolidate learning |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | Practical classes |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Guided activities to reinforce lecture content, key concepts and technical skills |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | 3x post-practical seminars 3x subject matter seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 150 | 1:00 | 150:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision, general reading of course and wider material |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will define the scope of the course and deliver basic knowledge as a basis for further study.
Seminars will encourage students to develop their understanding of the subject matter and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas in a small group setting. Post-practical seminars will provide opportunities to consolidate concepts and to develop critical thinking, numeracy, communication and teamwork skills.
Practicals will provide experience and skill development in recording/analysing (carrying out scientific calculations, data analysis and interpretation) biological data to support taught core knowledge. The principles of good laboratory practice and adherence to health and safety procedures will also be reinforced throughout along with providing opportunities for students to ask questions/exchange ideas with peers, demonstrators and academic staff in an informal setting.
Structured learning and guided independent study activities will develop students’ self-directed learning skills, time management, organisation and independence.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 60 | Closed book in-person Inspera invigilated exam, quiz-style questions (max 100) |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 40 | Written practical lab report (maximum 1500 words) |
Formative Assessments
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 | 2 | M | Online timed (45 mins) Inspera exam, quiz-style questions (max 50) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The end-of-module examination assesses knowledge and understanding of course material. The formative in-course assessment will familiarise students with the format of the end-of-module exam and help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material.
The practical report will build on the BMD1000 practical report and feedback in semester 1. It will assess students’ writing and information literacy skills, as well as their ability to interpret and analyse experimental data, reference appropriately, and synthesise relevant information from a variety of sources.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMD1005's Timetable