CMB1004 : Cell Biology
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Dr Michele Sweeney
- Lecturer: Professor Robert Hirt, Dr Adam Wollman, Dr Tim Cheek, Dr Lindi Chen, Professor David Kennedy, Dr Beth Lawry
- 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 Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Formative assessment (mid-semester). In person invigilated Digital Exam via Inspera. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 29 | 1:00 | 29:00 | In person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | In person. Seminars. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | In person. Q&A session. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 116:00 | 116:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading |
| Total | 150:00 |
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 Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 100 | In person, invigilated via Inspera: Quiz Format questions, maximum 120 questions. |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Biology | 1 |
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 | 1 | M | In 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 Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CMB1004's Timetable