Applied Cell Biology Course Descriptor

Course Summary

The course introduces the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, including the nucleus, organelles, cell organisation, cell cycle control and the cytoskeleton. The metabolism and energy production of cells and cell division in microorganisms, plants and animals is examined. A key focus of the course is for learners to understand the experimental techniques used to probe and understand the biology of the cell. The evolution of applied cell biology is also explored, and a range of contexts such as, industrial, health and biological research are examined to identify the impact of cell biology on our lives and the ecosystem we inhabit.

Course Aims

• For learners to understand the fundamental structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
• For learners to explore the structure and function of cells in order to understand the complexity of the fundamental building blocks of life.
• For learners to understand the experimental techniques used in cell biology.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year. 

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• Online learning
• Online discussion groups
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
• One-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
• Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Assessment will be in two forms:

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.  

Feedback is provided on summatively assessed assignments and through generic internal examiners’ reports, both of which are posted on the VLE.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books 

• Pollard, T. D., Earnshaw, W. C., Lippincott-Schwartz, J., & Johnson, G. T. (2017). Cell biology (3^rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA : Elsevier
• Alberts, B. (2014). Essential cell biology (4th ed.). New York : Garland Science Pub.
• Alberts, B. (2015). Molecular biology of the cell (6th ed.). New York : Garland Pub. 

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on applied cell biology as directed by their course leader.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on applied cell biology.

Indicative Topics

• Cell structure and function
• Experimental methods
• Applied cell biology