The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Life (C7149)
The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Life
Module C7149
Module details for 2022/23.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 4
Module Outline
Throughout the diversity of life, from slime moulds to elephants, organisms are built from cells, function by the expression of genes from DNA to proteins and cellular process via RNA intermediates, and achieve fitness by the flow of genetic information from one generation to the next. Some organisms are unicellular, while others contain millions of cells that may be specialised to carry out particular functions in the organism as a whole. However, the molecular and cellular processes of life are remarkably conserved and govern biological systems at all levels of complexity, so a knowledge of the essential principles of cell and molecular biology is important for any biologist, ecologist or zoologist. This module will introduce students to the essential concepts and components of molecular and cell biology. It will cover key principles of molecular biology, including the chemistry of life, nucleic acids, DNA replication and repair, and laboratory techniques. The module will also cover fundamentals of cell structure and function, including comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cell organelles, cell cycles, and microscopy techniques. The module will give students who are primarily interested in whole-organism biology the knowledge of essential principles of cell and molecular biology to underpin their future studies.
Module learning outcomes
Show knowledge of the essential principles of molecular biology and cell biology, and their application in zoology, ecology and conservation
Carry out a variety of laboratory methods to study molecules and cells
Evaluate and interpret molecular and cell biology information and data, and the appropriateness of different approaches for solving problems in zoology, ecology and conservation
Communicate the results of practical work accurately and reliably, and use structured and coherent arguments to explain their understanding of topics in molecular and cell biology
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Report | T1 Week 11 | 100.00% |
| Multiple Choice questions | Semester 1 Assessment | 70.00% |
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.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Laboratory | 3 hours | 00200020020 |
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 00001000100 |
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 22222222222 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Claudia Drees
Assess convenor
/profiles/504890
Dr Deborah Glass
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/580786
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