Module BIOL1072: INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL1072: INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To consolidate, correct and fill gaps in the knowledge of introductory Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology and Biochemistry resulting from the diversity of pre-University course syllabuses relating to different School Examination Boards.
• and to extend coverage of these areas of biology to provide a firm foundation for specialisation at level 2 and level 3 in Honours Degrees offered by the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences.

Content

• Interactions of Atoms and Molecules.
• Amino Acids, Peptides, Proteins.
• Nucleic Acids.
• Carbohydrates.
• Lipids Introduction to Enzymes.
• Biomolecule separation and purification.
• Glycolysis.
• Fate of NADH and Pyruvate.
• TCA cycle.
• Oxidative Phosphorylation.
• Photosynthesis.
• Oxygen generation and carbon fixation.
• Cell Signalling in Animal and Plant Cells.
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Membrane structure.
• The cytoskeleton.
• The nucleus.
• Bacteria and Viruses.
• Cloning.
• Screening.
• Probes.
• Libraries.
• Mapping.
• Sequencing DNA.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction.
• Gene Expression.
• Genes.
• Mutations.
• Chromosome Structure.
• Genetics of bacteria and their viruses.
• The Central Dogma.
• RNA.
• Ribosomes and Translation.
• The Genetic Code.
• Classical Genetics.
• The Cell Cycle.
• Inheritance.
• Genetic Analysis.
• Innate Immunity.
• Adaptive Immunity.
• Antigen-specific Recognition Molecules.
• Antibody Functions.
• Early vertebrate development.
• Embryonic stem cells.
• Homeoboxes.
• History of Developmental Biology: Preformationism, experimental embryology, developmental genetics, molecular biology.
• The constant genome, gastrulation and neurulation, primary embryonic induction, differentiation, regeneration, stem cells, developmental biology in adults, positional information.

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of this module students should have: an introductory level of knowledge of Cell Structure, Genetics, Microbiology, Gene expression, Genetic Engineering, Immunology, Biological molecules, Biochemical methods, Metabolism, Photosynthesis and Cell communication.

• They should be familiar with basic experimental and safety procedures applicable to modern cell and molecular biology.

• Students should be able to demonstrate an ability to handle and interpret simple experimental data.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Theoretical knowledge will be delivered in lectures, practical classes and tutorials.
• Learning, knowledge and understanding will be assessed by practical reports, MCQs and end of year examinations.
• The ability to handle and interpret data will be assessed in practical reports and data handling exercises.
• Familiarity with experimental techniques and safety procedures will be acquired during practical classes.
• The variety of methods of teaching and assessment will contribute to learning by providing detailed and rapid feedback.
• They are considered the most appropriate at this level in order to build a firm foundation for level 2 and level 3 where more individual initiative is expected.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Essays, problem questions and oral presentations may be required as part of tutorial teaching. Practical reports.