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 |
Molecules, Genes and Cells 1 is a service course provided by the School of Biological Sciences, primarily for students taking degrees in Biomedical Sciences.
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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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed
Biological Chemistry 1A (CHEM08022)
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | Students MUST NOT also be taking
Biology 1B: Life (BILG08021)
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Other requirements | Background knowledge of Biology and Chemistry to A-level/Scottish Higher/IB Higher or equivalent is advised. This course is primarily designed for Year 1 Biomedical Sciences students. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Background knowledge of Biology and Chemistry to A-level/Scottish Higher/IB Higher or equivalent is advised. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 28,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 3,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 10,
Online Activities 2,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1,
Formative Assessment Hours 1,
Summative Assessment Hours 26,
Revision Session Hours 1,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
124 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
40 %,
Coursework
60 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Assessed Problem - consisting of a set of short-answer questions and an abstract (mini-essay).
Practical Quizzes x 4.
Degree Examination. |
| Feedback |
Feedback will be provided for written course assessments. Students will have the opportunity to interact with lecturers during lecture sessions and via discussion boards, with tutors during tutorials, and with demonstrators during practicals. |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | Molecules, Genes and Cells Exam | 120 | | | Resit Exam Diet (August) | Molecules, Genes and Cells Resit | 120 | |
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 or 5th 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 x 28
Workshop x 1
Tutorials x 3
Practicals x 4
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| Keywords | MGC1 |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Hazel Cruickshanks
Tel: (0131 6)50 5887
Email: |
Course secretary | Dr Caroline Aspinwall
Tel: (0131 6)50 5521
Email: |
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