Cell Biology & Genetics

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• The laboratory practicals should enable you to understand the application and be able to describe the theory behind the practical experiments. Develop practical expertise relevant to the experiments performed and be able to interpret the results. Present practicals include: Immunocytochemistry and Cell Proliferation, DNA restriction & electrophoresis, induction of B-galactosidase in E.coli, Mitosis and chromosome karyogamy.
• Comprehend and describe the features of prokaryote and Eukaryote cells, the composition and spatial organisation of the cell. The structure and features of major organelle systems including the nucleus, the secretory vacuolar system (endoplasmic reticulum, golgi, lysosomes), mitochondria, plant cells with chloroplasts and cytoplasmic vacuole. Plasma membrane and mechanisms of transport into and out of the cell. Protein production and sorting. The cytoskeleton and its role in the cell.
• Comprehend and describe chromatin structure, gene regulation, and the ways in which molecular biology throws light on gene function and the genetic regulation of cell specialisation. Techniques of recombinant DNA and cloning, its use and implications in biotechnology and genetic engineering. Cancer, tumorigenesis and the cell cycle. Cell determination and differentiation and the role of stem cells in cell replacement in humans. The transmission of genetic material in cell division by mitosis or meiosis, the control of these processes and how cell division fits within the cell cycle. Human Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis in relation to cell division. The phenomenon and implications of Chromosome karyogamy, variation in chromosome number (polyploidy and aneuploidy). The analysis of genetic variation in inheritance and transmission genetics including epistasis. Sex determination, sex linkage, human pedigree analysis. The contents can be liable to change from year to year.

This module is an introduction to Cell Biology & Genetics from general principles to modern day applications. For more details content see above

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, wet practicals, Blackboard, formative and summative assessment, and independent study

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Alberts, B et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. Garland Science.

Klug, W.S. et al.. Concepts of Genetics. Pearson-Benjamin Cummings.

Campbell, N.A. & Reece, J.B. Biology. Pearson - Benjamin & Cummings.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External