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VET10160

Academic Year 2024/2025

Cell Biology & Homeostasis (VET10160)

Subject:
Veterinary Medicine
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Veterinary Medicine
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Alison Reynolds
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module focuses on essential principles of the physiology of communication and integrated functions of excitable cells with reference to appropriate veterinary examples. The module covers:
i) cellular structure and function, role of membranes
ii) nucleic acids, cell cycle, transcription and translation
iii) homeostatic principles
iv) membrane potential, ion channels, action potential
v) excitable cells
vi) synaptic transmission, synaptic potentials, and cellular integration


About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
i) Describe the structure of cells and membranes.
ii) Describe the structure and function of nucleic acids, cell cycle and division
iii) Explain the processes of DNA replication, transcription, translation and post-translational processing of proteins
iv) Explain how homeostasis and control systems along with communication represent two of the major themes in veterinary physiology
v) Recognise and describe how functional control systems require efficient communication using a combination of chemical and electrical signals
vi) Describe the basis of cell excitability (nerve, muscle, other) - using clinical examples of contributions to homeostasis

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Practical

15

Autonomous Student Learning

90

Total

129


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Didactic lectures: 2 per week
Online practicals: 3
In person practical: 1

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Basic chemistry and physics.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): 2 hour short essay type examination at end of trimester. Answer 4 quesitons out of 6. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Other No

70

No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Questions based on PhysioEx virtual laboratory. Week 4 Other No

10

No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Questions based on PhysioEx virtual laboratory. Week 9 Other No

10

No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Questions based on PhysioEx virtual laboratory. Week 11 Other No

10

No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Physiology of Domestic Animals, 3. ed (2016)
Sjaastad; Sand; Hove
Third edition: ISBN 978-82-91743-41-7

Campbell NA. Biology: a global approach. Twelfth;Global; ed. Harlow, England: Pearson Education Limited; 2021.
ISBN: 978-12-92341-63-7
Available as an eBook in UCD library

Name Role
Dr Daniel Crean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Nicola Fletcher Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jane Irwin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Fiona McCartney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Kevin Purves Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Alison Reynolds Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sinead Ryan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Deirdre Campion Tutor
Mr Maurice Kinsella Tutor
Ms Margot Labberté Tutor
Dr Fiona McCartney Tutor
Ms Lisa Sheeran Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor