Module Catalogue

CMB1004 : Cell Biology

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Michele Sweeney
  • Lecturer: Dr Adam Wollman, Dr Tim Cheek, Dr Lindi Chen, Professor David Kennedy, Dr Beth Lawry, Professor Robert Hirt
  • 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: 15
ECTS Credits: 8.0
European Credit Transfer System

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 Signalling: 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.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:001:00Formative assessment (mid-semester). In person invigilated Digital Exam via Inspera.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture291:0029:00In person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching31:003:00In person. Seminars.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery11:001:00In person. Q&A session.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1116:00116:00Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading
Total150:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.

2. 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.

3. Private study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts; preparation for seminars; using learning resources. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and 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 Examination901A100In person, invigilated via Inspera: Quiz Format questions, maximum 120 questions.
Exam Pairings
Module Code Module Title Semester Comment
Cell Biology1
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 Examination1MIn person, invigilated via Inspera Invigilated, timed (45 mins) Quiz Format questions, maximum 45 questions
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end of module examination assesses knowledge and understanding of the course material. The formative assessment will help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as familiarise students with the format of the end of module exam.

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 Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.

Reading Lists

Timetable