Module Details

Module Code: BIOL N8001
Full Title: Cell and Molecular Biology
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Enda Clinton
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: This module will present the basics of cell and molecular biology providing foundational information central to the study of nutrition. It will provide the students with knowledge of the structure and function of the cell, the process of cell division and the processes involved in gene expression.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Describe the structural organisation of pro and eukaryotic cells and the function of various cell organelles.
MLO2 Explain how molecules move in and out of a cell and the role this process plays in nutrition.
MLO3 Summarise the properties of enzymes and their mechanism of action in facilitating cellular metabolism.
MLO4 Describe the processes involved in cell division, gene expression and regulation.
MLO5 Apply appropriate practical competencies in relevant molecular techniques.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Cellular anatomy
Location and function of cellular organelles & structures, (cell walls, membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, ER, Golgi, lysosomes) difference between pro and eukaryotic cells.
Cellular energy
Introduction to cellular metabolism, role of ATP in energy expenditure, active vs passive processes, concentration gradients, electrical gradients, equilibrium constants.
Cellular biomolecules
Cellular location and role for proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, ion channels, receptors, cytoskeleton, glycoproteins in membrane, glycolipids in membrane, lipid bilayers, fibrous vs globular proteins.
Cellular metabolism
Differences in anabolic vs anabolic cellular processes, exergonic vs endergonic cellular reactions, enzyme structure and function in facilitating cellular metabolism.
Cellular membrane transport
Osmotic forces, concentration gradients, intracellular vs extracellular environments, (diffusion, active transport via carriers, transport via channels), epithelial transport in intestines and kidneys, receptor activated pathways of cellular signalling.
The genome and molecular biology
Basis of storage and transfer of genetic information, DNA and RNA structure and function, DNA replication, DNA transcription, RNA translation, DNA mutations and genetic basis of disease.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work30.00%
Practical30.00%
Final Examination40.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 5 Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 30
Assessment Description
There will be a 30-minute short question written examination half-way through the semester.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 10 Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
There will be a 60-minute short question written examination towards the end of the semester.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 120
Assessment Description
A 2-hour practical session each week will provide the student with the opportunity to back up the theory covered in formal lectures with practical experience. The requirement to submit regular laboratory reports is intended to act as serious encouragement for students to focus on the laboratory work.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 120
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
This module does not have any book resources
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources