This module is a core module taken by students in the fields of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, Forensic Biology, Forensic Science, Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology. The module introduces students to basic cell biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, molecular, organismal and population genetics, germ layers and basic tissue types in the human body, and a variety of microorganisms. Core factual material is provided in keynote lectures and supported via material available via StudySpace. Laboratory practicals give students the opportunity to learn selected current techniques used to study cells, tissues, chromosomes and microbial organisms. The module provides an essential introduction to modules at levels 5 and 6 that develop further knowledge in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics and microbiology.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Core concepts in cell and molecular biology, focussing on genes, cells and tissues, are discussed in research-led lectures by the module team who will direct the students to pre-sessional and further reading and additional educational on-line resources available on StudySpace to support their learning. The closing lectures on molecular techniques will also inform students about career possibilities in the molecular science jobs market and current technical competencies required. These lectures will emphasise employability skills and the importance of accessing the University careers service.
Students will undertake four laboratory practicals on microscopy, histology, cytogenetics and microbiology to enable them to develop practical skills in the correct use of microscopes, examining and studying chromosomes, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and tissues, interpreting and recording biological data, and build upon knowledge gained from lectures. Students will be prepared for each practical by lectures, in combination with complementary on-line resources.
Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is scheduled throughout the module to enable students to practice application of information and extend their knowledge. These resources include video tutorials on microscopy, histological techniques and microbiology and on-line interactive tutorials and activities. Engagement by students with TEL sessions will be monitored via StudySpace.
Overall, the blended learning approach adopted on this module encourages the expansion of knowledge in cell and molecular biology, tissues, microorganisms and associated techniques. The development of key skills, particularly self-awareness skills, in managing learning, communication, numeracy and information literacy are facilitated. Valuable employability skills such as confidence building, identification of skills and competencies gained, self-reflection, awareness of career possibilities, the use of the careers service and giving and receiving feedback are embedded throughout the teaching, learning and assessment strategies in this module.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Keynote lectures and seminars (46 h) 4 x 3 hour practicals (12 h) Scheduled technology enhanced learning (21 h) | 79 |
| Guided independent study | Directed reading, use of video tutorials, interactive electronic study packages and formative question banks. | 221 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The module is summatively assessed through coursework comprising the submission of two on-line assessments based on four practicals (50%) and an end of module examination (50%) which will test student knowledge and understanding by answering multiple choice questions and extended answer questions.
Students will complete compulsory on-line assessments based on four practicals. They will be eligible to submit the assessments if they have attended the relevant practical sessions. The coursework assessments will test the understanding of practical techniques, encourage further reading and provide an opportunity for reflection of skills acquisition and the use of these skills in careers in molecular science. Individual electronic feedback will be supplied to each student after submission of their reports.
Seminars disseminated throughout the module will provide a formative opportunity for students to prepare timed written assignments in order to practise extended answers for the examination. Answers will be peer-reviewed against an exemplar in order to inform student expectations about the use of marking criteria and the breadth and depth of examination answers required. Exemplars will also be used to indicate good and bad practice in answering examination questions. These seminars will not only enhance assessment literacy, but will also assist students in the development of writing and communication skills. Students will also gain valuable employability experience in giving and responding to feedback. Practice MCQ tests throughout the module will enable students to gain experience in answering MCQ type questions and assess their individual progress.
Regular and detailed feedback to students will be provided by formative assessments undertaken in lectures and through an extensive range of formative question banks available on Canvas. This formative feedback will facilitate students to test their understanding of theoretical and practical concepts, organize their own learning, self-reflect on their progress and encourage regular revision for summative assessments. Post-examination generic feedback will be posted on Canvas and the module team will be available in term-time to give personal feedback to students on their examination performance.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Demonstrate an understanding of the major cell components and discuss their functions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. | MCQ section and extended answer section of the examination (S) and practice answers in lectures/TEL (F). |
| 2) Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in molecular, population and evolutionary genetics. | MCQ section and extended answer section of the examination (S), practical assessment (S) and practice answers/TEL (F). |
| 3) Perform simple calculations relating to inheritance and population genetics. | MCQ section and extended answer section of examination (S) and practice answers/TEL (F). |
| 4) Display a basic knowledge of the early development and structure and functions of major tissue types in the human body. | MCQ section and extended answer section of the examination (S), practical assessment (S) and practice answers/TEL (F). |
| 5) Recognize and discuss the characteristics of a variety of medically important microorganisms. | MCQ section and extended answer section of the examination (S), practical assessment (S) and practice answers/TEL (F). |
| 6) Demonstrate a comprehension of selected current techniques in light microscopy, histology, cytogenetics and microbiology and explain their relevance in employability. | Submission of on-line assessments (S). |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | Examination | 50% |
| Coursework | Two on-line assessments | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
The current edition of the following:
Sadava, D., Hillis, D.M., Heller, H.C. and Berenbaum, M.R. Life: The Science of Biology. International Edition. Sinauer Associates Inc. W.H. Freeman and Co.
Alberts, B., Bray, D., Hopkin, K., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K. and Walter, P. Essential Cell Biology. Garland Science.
Madigan, M.T., Martinko, J.M., Stahl, D.A. and Clark, D.P. Brock Biology of Microorganisms. Pearson.
Marieb, E.N. and Hoehn, K. Human Anatomy and Physiology. Pearson.
Nelson, D. and Cox, M. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. W.H. Freeman.
Russell, P.J. iGenetics: a Molecular Approach. Pearson.
Young, B., O'Dowd, G. and Woodford, P. Wheater's Functional Histology: a text and colour atlas. Churchill Livingstone.