2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY1141 Introduction to Cell Biology

10 Credits Class Size: 140

Module manager: Dr Glyn Hemsworth
Email: G.R.Hemsworth@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A Level Biology or equivalent.

Mutually Exclusive

BIOL1112 The Molecules of Life
FOBS1135 The Basis of Life

Module replaces

BLGY1115

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Introduction to Cell Biology: from Molecules to Cells aims to provide learners with an understanding of the principles that underpin cellular structure and function. Learners will explore prokaryotes and eukaryotes building up a picture of the key differences between these cell types. Learners will also delve into the basis of multicellularity and the key molecular processes that allow this to occur. This is foundational knoledge that underpins lots of cellular and organismal biology.

Objectives

This module aims to provide learners with a grounding in cell biology with a particular focus on how macromolecular structure and function relates to cell structure and behaviour. There will be some revision of concepts from A-level, which will be built upon to provide up to date understanding of cell structure and function that will be needed as learners progress through their programmes of study.

Teaching on the module will be shared with FOBS1135. FOBS1135 is a 20 credit module that is split into 9 learning units focussed on key aspects of molecular, macromolecular or cellular function. Those students enrolled on BLGY1115 will cover a subset of this content as required by their programme of study. Core content will be provided to students through pre-recorded lectures which will be augmented with in-person workshops throughout the semester. There will be one workshop for every two hours of pre-recorded content. In these workshops learners will be provided with opportunities to assess their level of understanding whilst also gaining more in-depth knowledge from the lecturers that are expert in the topics being covered.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Distinguish the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
2. Explain the relationship between the structure of macromolecules and the function to which they are put in the cell.
3. Explain how key biological processes are driven by molecules and their behaviours.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. Demonstrate the ability to take a logical approach to the analysis and solving of problems.

Syllabus

BLGY1115 will cover a subset of the content delivered in FOBS1135, based on the following topics:
• From genes to proteins
• Protein sorting
• Membranes and signalling
• Bioenergetics and Metabolism
• Cytoskeleton and the cell cycle
• The microbial world

Each topic will consist of 2 to 4 hours of pre-recorded content with an on-campus workshop scheduled for every 2 hours of pre-recorded content.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 21 1 21
Seminar 10 1 10
Private study hours 69
Total Contact hours 31
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be provided with formative MRQs for each learning unit with automated feedback allowing them to practice and evaluate their understanding throughout the module.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course MCQ Students will answer MRQs allowing them to demonstrate their learning from the content delivered on the module. Student numbers are large and so will be online, open-book. This should take place during the January exam period. 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 12/2/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team