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Cells

Module description

This module takes you on a trip around the fundamental unit of life – the cell. With particular emphasis on its dynamic nature, and using examples from bacteria to plants to animals, you will learn how cells use membranes and proteins to organise themselves, and how they communicate both within and without their confines. It also considers the guiding principles that govern formation of a multicellular organism such as cell division and tissue development.

In order to take BIO1339 you must normally have an A Level (or equivalent) in Biology.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module introduces core concepts in cell and developmental biology. The subject will be approached by considering what fundamental principles make the cell the unit of life; what separates the inside from the outside, how intracellular compartments ensure functional modulation and how neighbouring cells work together for the good of the organism. These principles are fundamental to any understanding of the biosciences and underpin any degree in the subject. In particular, this module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding that will enable you to take second and final year modules in cell biology, developmental biology and molecular biology.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Illustrate the principal features of cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic
• 2. Explain the relationship between cell structure and function
• 3. Outline the experimental techniques used to study cells, and demonstrate competent use of the light microscope

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Summarise essential facts and theory in relation to cell biology and its application
• 5. Describe and begin to evaluate aspects of cell biology and research articles
• 6. With some guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation and enquiry within the biosciences

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Show skills for independent study
• 8. With some guidance, select and properly manage information drawn from books, journals and the internet
• 9. Demonstrate competency in cellular biological techniques

Syllabus plan

We will begin by discussing cell theory, the work of van Leeuwenhoek and the relationship between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. We will consider some of the tools commonly used to demonstrate the dynamic nature of cells (such as fluorescent proteins), before embarking on a tour of the way in which the cell organises itself. We will look at the plasma membrane as the single most important mechanism by which a cell separates itself from its surroundings, before moving on to consider the cytoplasm, the endomembrane system, the cytoskeleton, chloroplasts, mitochondria and endosymbiotic theory. We will then move to specifically consider bacterial cells and cell biology from the perspective of plants. Finally, we will discuss the main principles of development of multi-cellular organisms, using examples of aggregation, embryogenesis and morphogenesis.

Practical skills training will revolve around microscopy and how it facilitates the observation and measurement of cells, reinforcing the concepts covered in lectures, and emphasising the nature of scientific enquiry.

Accessibility Statement:

As part of this module, you will undertake laboratory sessions in the large teaching laboratory (of up to 200 students) that are of 2-3 hrs in duration. These sessions will be undertaken in groups, and sessions involve fine laboratory work and microscopy. Breaks are possible and students are able to leave the laboratory for short periods.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Alberts B. et al. (2008) Molecular Biology of the Cell. 5th Edition. Garland Science ISBN978-0-8153-4106-2
• Alberts B. et al. (2009) Essential Cell Biology. 3^rd Edition. ISBN 978-0815341307

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• Module-specific ELE page - https://ele.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Cell, membrane, protein, cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, mitochondria, chloroplast, cell wall, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, microtubule, actin, molecular motor, peroxisome, endosome, endomembrane system, cell division, bacteria, cell wall, protoplast, aggregation, morphogenesis, organism, microscope, fluorescence