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CELB30110

Academic Year 2024/2025

Plant Cell Biology (CELB30110)

Subject:
Cell Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Carl Ng
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The cell is the basic building block of eukaryotic organisms, and understanding how cells develop and their physiological responses to the environment are key to our understanding of plant growth and development. This module expands on your understanding of basic cell biology by using the stomatal guard cell as the system to understand plant cell biology. This series of lectures will explore the genetic and molecular regulation of stomatal development and how stomatal guard cells respond to internal and external signals through changes in ion transport to effect changes in stomatal guard cell turgor. Practical components of this module include demonstrations of (i) advanced microscopy techniques (including laser scanning confocal microscopy), (ii) biolistic transformation, and (iii) techniques to assay for stomatal function and stomatal development.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, you will have a clear understanding of stomatal development and the basic processes underlying turgor changes in plant cells. You will also have a fundamental understanding of ion-based signalling systems in plant cells. You will also have an appreciation of fluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy, data interpretation, along with writing and communication skills essential for a practising scientist.

Indicative Module Content:

Key topics covered will include:
(1) Ion transport
(2) roles and functions of transport proteins (pumps, channels)
(3) functions of transport proteins and ion transport in plant cell physiology
(4) second messengers in cellular signalling
(5) developmental genetics of stomatal development

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

6
Autonomous Student Learning

83
Lectures

12
Practical

24
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key teaching and learning approaches used in the module will include combinations of some of or all of the following:

(1) task-based and problem-based learning
(2) lectures
(3) reports
(4) demonstrations of lab techniques for plant cell biology

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


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
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Students are required to complete 2 short quizzes/exercises based on the confocal laser scanning microscopy and biolistic transformation small group rotation practical classes. Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No
20
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Students are requires to complete a mid-Trimester assignment from lectures on cellular development. Students will have a choice of two questions and they are required to answer only one question. Week 7 Graded No
40
 No
Exam (In-person): End-of-Trimester Examination based on celluilar physiology. Students will have a choice of two questions where they have to answer only one question. End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Graded No
40
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
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?

Feedback will be given for practical assignments and continuous assignment via BrightSpace. Students are required to sit for a end-of-trimester examination.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
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