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CELB30120

Academic Year 2024/2025

Hot Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology (CELB30120)

Subject:
Cell Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Susanne Schilling
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Cell biology as a discipline is unique in considering organism function at several scales - the molecular, cellular and whole organism. In order to understand how cells function in context, it is vital that a wide range of methodological approaches are employed that can explore these different scales. This practical module provides students with a broad overview of the techniques that are commonly used in modern molecular cell biology research. The information provided will be relevant to the study of the structure and function of cells from higher organisms, both animal and plant, and their parts. The lectures will describe the theories and principles behind each of the methods, in addition to discussing their practical aspects and limitations. Workshops will allow for group discussion around the latest advancements in cell biology techniques. The laboratory work will consist of a series of experiments that demonstrate fundamental methodologies in cell biology, thereby introducing the process of systematic scientific research and critical evaluation of results obtained. The practical exercises, carried out in research laboratories, include hands-on experience of molecular biology; animal and plant cell culture; cellular assays; use of immunofluorescence and the green fluorescent protein; and confocal microscopy and its associated techniques. The practical component will run over 5 consecutive days during the trimester break.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module students will have: an understanding of experimental approaches, and their application to specific problems in cell biology; acquired a range of core practical skills to study molecular cell biology; the ability to use fluorescent light microscopes; the ability to analyse experimental cell biology data; learned the importance of discussion and communication of scientific results.

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction to methods in molecular cell biology
Mammalian cell culture
Three-dimensional cell culture methods for mammalian cells
Transfection of cultured cells
Fluorescence light microscopy
PCR, genetic manipulation and gene cloning
Protein biochemistry
Cell-based assays
molecular diagnostic assays
RNA-based techniques

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Small Group

4
Laboratories

35
Autonomous Student Learning

74
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module delivers content through a combination of lectures and an intensive 4-day practical laboratory experience.

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
Report(s): Lab Report in Form of a short scientific paper including abstract, introduction, methods, results and discussion, including a draft version Week 9, Week 12 Graded No
50
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): literature review in the style of a short scientific review Week 14 Graded No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Formative Assessment for Lab Report

Name Role
Dr Rory Johnson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Joanna Kacprzyk Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Olga Lastovetsky Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Paul McCabe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Rainer Melzer Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Antoinette Perry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Susanne Schilling Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Jeremy Simpson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Gavin Stewart Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Paola Valentini Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 27 Mon 09:00 - 16:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 14:00 - 14:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 27 Thurs 09:00 - 16:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 27 Tues 09:00 - 16:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 27 Wed 09:00 - 16:50
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