Module Catalogue

BSA1002 : Practical Skills in Cell Biology for Study Abroad

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Harley Stevenson-Cocks
  • Practical Supervisor: Dr Lindi Chen, Professor Robert Hirt, Dr Michele Sweeney, Dr Beth Lawry, Dr Alison Howard
  • 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 1 Credit Value: 5
ECTS Credits: 3.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

This module introduces students to practical skills essential to students studying cell biology. Students use light microscopes to observe cells, carry out experiments to study the process of osmosis and use computer aided learning packages to explore the mechanisms of nervous impulses and muscle contraction.

The module will also highlight the importance of laboratory health and safety.

Outline Of Syllabus

The Cell Biology practical skills module consists of laboratory-based practicals on the following topics: microscopic observation of unicelular eukaryotes; osmosis, pH and buffers, action potentials and muscle funtion.

The module is offered ONLY to Study abroad students. Students on other programmes in the School
of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences may take the same practical classes as part of CMB1011.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion41:004:00Online assessment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical33:009:00In person - Practicals 3x3h
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study137:0037:00
Total50:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
CMB1011
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Practical classes 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.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report1M100In-course online worksheets pre and post lab
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Practical reports will test the students knowledge and understanding of practical techniques, ability to record and analyse biological data, ability to carry out scientific calculations and ability to use computer aided learning packages.

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.

The form of assessment will not vary from the original.

Reading Lists

Timetable