Undergraduate Course: Molecules, Genes and Cells 1 (BILG08015)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Structure, organisation, and experimental investigation of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Structure and replication of nucleic acids. Structure and function of proteins, methods of purification and investigation, plus some particular examples. Cytoskeleton and cell motility. Biological membranes. Cell growth and differentiation. |
| Course description |
This course focuses on the molecular biology of cells and the topics covered provide an essential foundation for all Biological Sciences degree programmes. The course examines the function of molecules, like proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids within the context of living cells. In-depth study of protein structure and function is covered, and the molecular techniques used in protein purification and analysis. The structure of nucleic acids is also covered, including mechanisms of DNA replication and the regulated expression of genetic information. Genetic engineering is described in detail and how it is used for biotechnological applications. Cell membrane structure and function, the cytoskeleton and the cell cycle are further subjects in the course.
The major skills that you will develop in this course include: familiarisation with the major molecular constituents of the cell and their functional relationships; experience in a variety of molecular biological techniques through practical sessions; and problem solving through independent research and collaboration.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2019/20, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 30,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 5,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 20,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 4,
Summative Assessment Hours 7,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
130 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
60 %,
Coursework
25 %,
Practical Exam
15 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
In-course problem (20% of final mark),
Practical Questionnaires (total 20% of final mark).
Degree Examination - multiple choice, short answer questions and problem question (60% of final mark).
40% coursework, 60% degree examination.
To pass the course, 40% must be achieved in BOTH the in-course assessment and in the degree examination. Satisfactory attendance in the practical classes is also a requirement to pass.
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| Feedback |
Feedback is generally provided to all items of in-course assessment and the final exam as well as in the form of formative feedback when the results of assessment are not counted towards course marks.
During lectures and workshops, Tophat may be used to provide immediate formative feedback via multiple-choice question and answer sessions, quizzes and team games.
Individualised feedback can be obtained by communicating with tutors, demonstrators and laboratory floor-leaders. Background information for the laboratory work will be provided during practical feedback lectures.
Part of the coursework involves answering five online questionnaires relating to the five practical classes. The marks for the first questionnaire do not count towards the coursework mark, providing formative feedback only. The remaining four questionnaires are assessed and the marks count. |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | | 2:00 | | | Resit Exam Diet (August) | | 2:00 | |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the way in which the structures of the macromolecules of the cell can be related to their biological functions.
- Understand the basic principles of organisation, structure and activity in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells at a molecular level.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the experimental methods used to investigate these areas of biology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to perform experiments in a molecular biology laboratory.
- Draw quantitative conclusions from experimental data and know how to present experimental results and theoretical knowledge.
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Reading List
| Essential Cell Biology (4th edition) by Alberts et al. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Research and Enquiry.
Personal and Intellectual Autonomy.
Communication.
Personal Effectiveness. |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
Lectures (30 in total): every Tue 1410-1500, Thu 0900-0950 and Fri 1210-1300.
Tutorials (5 in total): various groups held on Tue, Wed, Thu or Fri.
Practicals (5 in total): Tue 1000-1200 or Thu 1000-1200 or Fri 1000-1200.
Workshops (3 in total): Tue 1510-1700 or Wed 1410-1600 or Thu 1000-1200 or Fri 1510-1700.
Computing class (one): Thu 1000-1200 or Fri 1000-1200. |
| Keywords | MGC1 |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Tilo Kunath
Tel:
Email: |
Course secretary | Dr Caroline Aspinwall
Tel: (0131 6)50 5521
Email: |
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