Module manager: Helen Foster
Email: h.e.foster@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
MICR3202
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Research into molecular and cellular biology underpins much of what we know about how life works, and what happens when things go wrong. In this module, we will take you beyond textbook examples and into the world of research. Experts in their field will guide you through current and ongoing research allowing you to see how research is done whilst also going into key topics from this subject area like you haven’t done before.
This module will provide learners enrolled on the Microbiology and Biological Sciences (Infections/Disease) programmes the opportunity to advance their understanding of key cutting edge topics from cellular and molecular biology, going beyond the knowledge they will have acquired at years 1 and 2. The aim is to provide learners with an opportunity to learn more deeply about cellular and moleular biology whilst also allowing them to see how research progresses our understanding of cells and life. Importantly learners will gain a deeper understanding of how that knowledge from these disciplines can be harnessed. Learners should also build on their ability to critically analyse data presented in papers and draw appropriate conclusions from such data.
Teaching on the module will be split into 5 key topical areas in which students will receive 6 in-person lectures from experts in their fields. Lecturers will focus on setting out the core content that students should understand, and learners are expected to build upon this through either directed or self-directed learning around the subject. As part of the directed learning activities, learners will be provided with data analysis problems which will build on their learning from the lectures and allow them to apply their knowledge to a research question.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Evaluate and explain the current state of the art as relates to key topical areas from the fields of cellular and molecular biology.
2. Identify knowledge gaps and propose research strategies towards addressing open questions in the field.
3. Critically analyse and draw conclusions from data derived from techniques commonly used in research.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. (Academic/Work-ready) Gather information from a variety of sources and synthesise it in written form for a specified audience.
5. (Work-ready) Explain and evaluate how challenge-led research can contribute to developing sustainable solutions to global problems.
Advanced Topics in Molecular & Cellular Biology 2 will be split into 5 topics with each topic comprising of 6 lectures. Example topics that are currently taught, but can be replaced by other similar research-led topics in molecular or cellular biology, are:
1. Innate Immunity
2. World of Viruses
3. Synthetic Biology
4. Advanced approaches to cancer research, diagnosis and therapy
5. Exploiting the RNA World
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 32 | 1 | 32 |
| Private study hours | 168 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
To ensure students have opportunities to receive formative feedback:
• Lecturers may use active-learning components during their lectures to help students assess their level of understanding.
• Students will be provided with formative data analysis questions for each topic and will be able to self-assess their answers following release of model answers.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Learners will write an essay on one of two topics, allowing learners to demonstrate an application of subject knowledge. | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 3.0 Hrs Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
In-person open book exam
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 20/05/2026
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