Medical Cell Biology
| Module title | Medical Cell Biology |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU1008 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Patrick Hamilton (Convenor) Dr Yuktee Dogra (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 80 |
|---|
Module description
In this module you will be introduced to a variety of cell biology topics. You will learn how cells are organised, the various functions of the subcellular components, how cells receive and respond to stimuli from the surroundings, and the various fates for cells within eukaryotes such as cell division and cell death.
The principles of cell biology discussed in this module will be illustrated with appropriate human processes and disease complications using neurobiology examples where appropriate.
To complement the theory of cell biology covered in the lectures, you will also undertake laboratory practical work where you will be introduced to techniques to visualise cells, study cell dynamics and quantify experimental results.
This module is compulsory for BSc Neuroscience students.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module introduces you to core concepts in medical cell biology and complements this theory with appropriate practical class sessions. The module will discuss topics including cell diversity, intracellular organelles, intra- and intercellular communication, responses to signalling from the outside of the cell, cell division and cell death.
The theory of various techniques used to study cell biology will be discussed to complement the laboratory practical class sessions.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Explain key techniques used to study cell biology.
- 2. Describe the structure and function of cellular organelles.
- 3. Describe cell-cell communication and interactions.
- 4. Describe cell migration.
- 5. Describe intracellular signalling processes.
- 6. Explain cell replication and death processes.
- 7. Understand basic microbiology and the relation to human medical conditions.
- 8. Understand basic immunology and the relation to human medical conditions.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Describe how the basic cell biology applies to neuroscience using specific examples.
- 10. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of cell biology.
- 11. Begin to utilise simple techniques to analyse cell structure and function and analyse the experimental results.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 12. Communicate ideas effectively by written and oral means.
- 13. Begin to identify appropriate information from various relevant sources including teaching material, books and the internet.
- 14. Develop skills for independent study.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
We will cover topics including:
• Techniques in cell biology
• Organisation and function of subcellular structures
• Cytoskeleton
• Intercellular communication
• Cell migration
• Cell division
• Control of the cell cycle
• Cell death
• Models for cell biology research
• Medical microbiology
• Cells of the immune system
These will be covered through lectures, data analysis and laboratory practical sessions.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 118 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 20 | Lectures (20 x 1 hours) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 12 | Laboratory practical sessions (4 x 3 hours) |
| Guided Independent Study | 70 | Lecture consolidation and reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 48 | Revision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ test | 0.5 hr | 1-10, 12-14 | Online model answers |
| Laboratory-based skills | 4x1 hours | 1-12 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell biology practical problem set | 40 | One set of problems based on practicals 30-40 questions | 1-12 | Written plus online model answers |
| MCQ examination | 60 | 2 hour | 1-10, 12-14 | Mark feedback on request |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell biology practical problem set, (One set of problems based on practicals) (40%) | Cell biology practical problem set 30-40 questions | 1-12 | August Referral/Deferral period |
| MCQ examination (60%) | MCQ examination (2 hour) | 1-10, 12-14 | August Referral/Deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Essential Cell Biology. 4th Edition. Garland Science.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2021 |
| Last revision date | 25/06/2021 |
