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School of Life Sciences

Cells, Organisms and Systems (C1009)

Cells, Organisms and Systems

Module C1009

Module details for 2025/26.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 4

Module Outline

This module explores the interconnectedness and interdependence of life on earth, concerning the diversity of living systems and what happens when they go wrong, under the two broad themes of Selection, Complexity and Evolution and Information, Communication and Environment. This will provide an integrated approach to various levels of living systems from the origins of life, through cell and molecular biology, to ecosystems and social systems. Degree-specific seminars will incorporate modern research methods and highly topical questions of disease and sustainability, and develop students ability to solve problems, work in groups and communicate ideas.

Module learning outcomes

Explain the basic fundamentals of life on Earth, including molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and the origins and characteristics of cellular life and living systems.

Carry out a variety of laboratory methods to study molecules, cells and living systems, and use appropriate software to analyse results

Evaluate and interpret biological information and data, and the appropriateness of different approaches for solving problems in zoology, ecology, molecular and cell biology, and neuroscience

Recognise the interconnectedness and interdependence of life on Earth, and be able to communicate these ideas clearly and with scientific rigour.

TypeTimingWeighting
Multiple Choice questionsSemester 1 Assessment50.00%
Coursework50.00%
Coursework components. Equal weighting for all components.
EssayT1 Week 11  
TestT1 Week 7  
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterLecture1 hour33033333033
Autumn SemesterSeminar2 hours01000101010
Autumn SemesterOnline Laboratory Practical3 hours00001000000
Autumn SemesterPractical3 hours00100000100
Autumn SemesterOnline Lecture1 hour00300000300

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Lorraine Smith

Assess convenor
/profiles/15560

Dr Joanna Richardson

Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/395320

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