Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims to provide a broad introduction to the molecular biology of the cell; workshops will provide free enquiry opportunities. Seminars introduce students to current research in each of the themes to broaden and deepen student knowledge. The assessment challenges students to produce communication materials to enhance the module’s learning aims by researching an area of their choosing within the module themes.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module is organised into 8 themes


1. Evolution of Life

- Origin of life, life without a membrane.
- Cellular evolution - the Prokaryotes, the origin of Eukaryotes
- Tree of Life - History and current basis on molecular evidence


2. Prokaryotes

- Extremophiles – early life and exobiology
- Diversity


3. Viruses

- Structure
- Replication


4. First cells and multicellularity.

- Origin of cells
- Single-celled organisms


5 - 6. Cell structure, function and specialisation

- Structure
- Organisation
- Specialist functions


7 – 8 . Gene expression and control

- Transcription control
- Repression and activation
- Operons
- Eukaryotic gene expression
- Post-translational control
- Non-coding RNAs


9. Protein evolution

- Neutral and positive substitution
- Enzyme function
- microadaptation


10. Molecular mechanism of cell specialisation

- DNA rearrangement
- DNA methylation
- Regulatory circuits


10-12. Genome evolution

- Genome duplication
- Genome reconstitution
- Plant genomes
- Synthetic genomes


13-14. Cell signalling and communication

- Reception
- Transduction
- Response

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

PC1 Knowledge Application (delivered and assessed): Develop fundamental biological knowledge and an awareness of a systems approach. Recognise the broad biological concepts that underpin the discipline (Evolution, Function and specialisation).

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students should:

PC5 Communication (developed and assessed): Understand, question and communicate biological knowledge and research to a diverse audience; concepts that are within the module themes but go beyond the delivered material will be developed and presented by students.

PC6 Digital Literacy (developed and assessed): Student presentations will have a digital basis. Students will be use animations, data visualisation and media recording to communicate their knowledge.

PC8 Collaborative (developed and assessed): Students will work in groups and have the opportunity to develop initiative, autonomy, and leadership while maintaining responsibility, reliability, accountability, and integrity.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will provide the framework and theory for appreciation of the molecular biology of the cell and its evolution. Directed reading and links to further information will encourage individual learning and will contribute to greater understanding of the topics within the module. The assessments will provide team-working opportunities and student autonomy in their learning. The intention of the assessment is to help transition students from consumers of information, to researchers and communicators of knowledge.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam will test student understanding of the key module themes. This ensures that the key foundational concepts, which are required throughout their degree, are present and secure. The rationale for presentations is to introduce students early to autonomy in their learning, to demonstrate how to read within and beyond module content and how to communicate professionally with peers and academics.

General Notes

N/A