Module Details

Module Code: BIOL6023
Title: Introductory Cell Biology
Long Title: Introductory Cell Biology
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: An introduction to the essential techniques and relevant concepts in modern cell biology, including cell organisation and culture, cell communication and the cell cycle, cancer, developmental biology, immunology, advances in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Distinguish between different types of cells, viruses and subcellular organisms.
LO2 Describe the principles and laboratory practices used in mammalian cell culture.
LO3 Describe how cells communicate and cycle and outline the consequences of abnormal cell division (cancer).
LO4 Illustrate how the early embryo forms and develops.
LO5 Describe the structure and function of the innate and acquired immune system.
LO6 Outline, using selected examples, how advances in cell and molecular biology and biotechnology have impacted on everyday life.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
12884 BIOL6007 Biomolecules and Cells
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
1. Distinctions between cells and organisms.
Cell organization. Viruses – structure and function. Animal viruses. Prions.
2. Mammalian cell culture
Principles and practices used in mammalian cell culture. Use of Laminar flow cabinets, aseptic technique, counting cells using a haemocytometer. Cell culture – demonstration of making tissue culture medium, passing cells, infection of cells in vitro.
3. Cell communication
Cooperation between cells – communication through chemicals (hormones, paracrines, neurotransmitters).
4. Cell Cycle and Cancer
The Cell Cycle, control and cancer; oncogenes / tumor suppressor genes.
5. Development and Growth
Development in the early embryo; Cell Growth and Differentiation; into tissues, organs & organisms.
6. Immunology
Cell and organs of the Innate and Acquired Immune System
7. Applied Topics
Selected examples, to illustrate how advances in cell and molecular biology and biotechnology have impacted on everyday life.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Laboratory Reports
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
MCQ and calculations
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
MCQ and Short Answer Questions on e.g. cell organisation and culture, cell communication, the cell cycle, cancer, developmental biology, immunology, selected examples to depict advances in molecular biology and biotechnology.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Cell Biology Theory Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Cell Biology Practical Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Assignments and study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Morgan, D., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P.. (2014), Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th. Garland Science, New York, [ISBN: 9780815344322].
  • Alberts, B., Hopkin, K., Johnson, A., Morgan, D., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P.. (2019), Essential Cell Biology, 5th. WW Norton & Co., New York, [ISBN: 9780815345732].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SBIBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology 4 Mandatory
CR_SFSTE_7 Bachelor of Science in Food and Health Science 4 Mandatory
CR_SBIOS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biosciences 4 Mandatory