Modules

Module title: Molecular Biology of the cell
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BMS09112
Module leader: Sharron Vass
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Biomedical Science
Prerequisites

Appropriate background knowledge at level 8 of biochemistry, genetics, physiology of disease, cell biology and comparative physiology
2020/1, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Sharron Vass
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
A combination of interactive lectures, tutorials, workshops and experimental work in groups will be used to develop scientific, practical and problem solving skills.

Lectures will outline the core concepts of the module. To ensure that every learner is as active as possible, lectures contain collaborative, interactive exercises and suggestions for further study. Questions are encouraged within face-to-face teaching.

Tutorials and workshops will facilitate deeper discussion and learning of specific aspects of the course and will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the topic. These will also enable students to interact with their peers. Through workshops, students will integrate core knowledge into multi-layered cellular processes such as cell division and death.

Practical classes will allow students to develop research and problem solving capabilities in solving a biological problem. Through analysis, interpretation and presentation of the data you will also develop key scientific literacy and communication skills.

Personalised feedback will be given on the written components of assessment.

Moodle will be used to support the module by providing a repository of guided learning resources and activities for formative assessment.


The following employability skills will be developed through this module: communication and teamwork, planning and organisation, information and digital literacy, practical biological skills and written communication.
Formative Assessment:
Formative assessment of student progress is provided through online learning tools and quizzes on Moodle. Quizzes will be provided weekly, via Moodle, and will complement the material taught in classes that week. Quizzes will comprise of 10 questions designed to consolidate of taught material and aid student learning. The immediate on-line feedback to students from the quizzes will help students determine whether they have grasped the key concepts and theories and signpost areas of further study. This formative feedback will inform students about their current state of knowledge in the subject area and support their learning for the summative examination at the end of the module.

Formative feedforward will be provided tutors to the students for the planning aspect of their coursework in week 6 and 7.
Summative Assessment:
Summative assessment of student learning will include a lab report based on the planning, execution and interpretation of activities within the practical laboratory sessions and will cover LOs 4-6.

A formal examination at the end of the module will be used to test the knowledge, understanding and skills attained (LOs 1-3).
Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 24
Face To Face Tutorial 6
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 22
Independent Learning Guided independent study 145
Face To Face Centrally Time Tabled Examination 3
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 60 1,2 & 3 14/15 HOURS= 3, WORDS= 0
Report 40 4, 5 & 6 9
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

This module will build upon concepts and knowledge gained in 1st and 2nd year modules to discuss the internal organisation of the cell and how it responds to intracellular and extracellular cues.

There will be 4 main overarching topics covered in this module: membrane function and receptors, cell signalling cascades, protein biochemistry, cellular structures and compartments.

In particular you will study membrane function; receptor based communication and their signalling networks; the importance of protein interactions and post-translational modifications in cell signalling pathways; their impact on protein function, targeting and turnover. These will be discussed in the context of the relevant cellular compartments and structures.

The course will discuss these concepts and mechanisms through major cellular processes such as cell division and cell death.

You will be taught through lectures, tutorials and workshops. You will also undertake practical activities in the laboratory and will be assessed on your ability to plan and execute these experiments and interpret and present the data you obtain.

A substantial amount of time has been set aside for self-directed study to reflect the fast moving pace of this field and the need to consult the literature, to prepare for tutorials, workshops and practical classes.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of cellular signalling mechanisms using specific examples
LO2: Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of cellular compartments and post-translational regulation and their importance in regulating protein structure, function, turnover and trafficking
LO3: Apply knowledge of cell signalling and protein biochemistry to multi-layered cellular processes such as cell division and death
LO4: Draw on a range of sources to formulate a plan to solve a practical research question
LO5: Develop analytical and experimental laboratory skills in molecular cellular biology
LO6: Analyse, interpret and evaluate experimentally derived data and demonstrate scientific writing skills through laboratory reports
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BMS09112 Molecular Biology of the Cell
 

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