Aims

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

Outline Of Syllabus

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.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

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.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

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.