Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title MOLECULES AND CELLS
Code LIFE101
Coordinator Dr S Mora
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
S.Mora@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 4 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
None  

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 26

         3

7

 36
Timetable (if known) Timetabled lectures
  		        Scheduled time for summative assessments
This refers to scheduled times for additional sessions to supplement the lectures. These are likely to include workshops, group discussions, problem-solving sessions, as determined by student feedback
  		 
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Exam  2 h  1  80  Yes  N/A  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) Objective Assessments (e.g. MCQ and EMI) Continuous assessment will be objective assessments (e.g. multiple choice and extended matching questions) Objective assessments (e.g. MCQ and EMI) Written examination will be objective assessments (e.g. multiple choice and extended matching questions)  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1 h  1  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 

Aims

After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Recognise the basic of structure, composition and function of cells;
  2. Explain core concepts relating to the organisation and specialisation of eukaryotes, prokaryotes and viruses;
  3. Define the cellular components involved in the regulation of key functions such as the generation of energy, movement, cell growth and division and differentiation;
  4. Describe the latest techniques that are used in cell biology to determine cell structure and function;
  5. Develop in students the knowledge and understanding of the subject and the ability to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

  1. Describe how cells arose and their structural features;
  2. Compare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells;
  3. Identify the different ways cells manipulate energy;
  4. Define the molecular basis of the processes by which cells grow, replicate, communicate, interact with their environment, move and die;
  5. Describe the functional importance of cell specialisation and cooperation in tissues.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Timetabled lectures

Assessment -

Scheduled time for summative assessments

Other -

This refers to scheduled times for additional sessions to supplement the lectures. These are likely to include workshops, group discussions, problem-solving sessions, as determined by student feedback each year.

Syllabus
1  1

What are cells?  Why study them?       

Molecular evolution. Cells the basic unit of life. Specialisation and adaptation to different environments. Visual demonstrations of cell activity.

How can we study cells?

Light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy, genes (PCR).

How are cells organised?

Viruses; Prokaryotes; Eukaryotes; organelles- structure and outline of functions; transport of molecules around the cell; membrane structures; cytoplasm and cytoskeleton (actin microtubules and intermediate filaments); cell walls.

How do cells manipulate energy? 

Chemical components; Energy; Photosynthesis; Oxidation; Enzyme catalysis. Electrochemical gradients. 

How do cells replicate?

DNA as information. DNA replication, repair and packaging; chromosomes. Cell division/mitosis. Cell cycle phases and regulation- cyclins; controls/constraints on replication. Nuclear structure; yeast vs mammalian.

How are proteins made and  how do they function?

Transcription/translation. Assembly and turnover of proteins. Structure/function relationships of proteins; domains as modular cassettes. Catalysis. Proteins as machines

How do cells interact with their environment? 

Distinct  internal environment.  Transport of small molecules and ions into/out of cells; waste disposal; ion and osmotic homeostasis. Cell junctions; cell adhesion; extracellular matrix,

How do cells communicate? 

Receptors and signal transduction. Chemical communication, ligands(autocrine/paracrine); hormones. Second messenger systems, signal amplification/cascades. Links to cellular responses including  gene transcription, cell cycle, contraction, exocytosis.  Particular examples e.g. neuronal, action potential, Na channels, K channels, the synapse, acetylcholine, adrenaline;

How do cells and sub-cellular structures move?

Molecular Motors: Actin and myosin, dynein,  kinesin.  Flagella, cilia. Cell motility; chemotaxis. Cell/muscle contraction, organelle movement.

How do cells specialise? 

Differentiation; tissue formation/basic tissue types. Regeneration; renewal through stem cells, embryonic vs adult. Cellular plasticity, cell fate.

Why do cells die?

Hayflick number; telomeres; apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy. Relationship to ageing and cancer

How do cells do sex?

Meiosis, gamete fusion, early embryogenesis

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: