Module: Cell & Molecular Physiology

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Cell & Molecular Physiology
Module Code	SS331 (ITS) / SPO1033 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Health & Human Performance
Module Co-ordinator	Ronan Murphy
Module Teachers	Ronan Murphy
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Autumn repeat examination

Description

The module aim will be to educate the student in cellular and molecular aspects of human health and physiology. This goal will guide the perspective of the course content. The module will comprehensively, but at a fundamental level, cover molecular genetics, transcriptomics and gene expression. Fundamental cellular functions such as apoptosis, adhesion, migration and cell development will be included in the syllabus, to reflect future directions of cell biology research. The learning outcomes will result in a comprehensive understanding of cell biology at various levels and its implications for human (patho)-physiology. Indicative time will reflect the requirements of a 5 credit module. Assesssment will be 20% continual assessment with 80% final exam. The Indicative reading will remain be outlined during term and will include up to date reviews in peer reviewed journals.

Learning Outcomes

1. Educate the student in cellular and molecular aspects of human health and physiology
2. Fundamental and comprehensive knowledge of molecular genetics, transcriptomics and gene expression with respect to human health and disease
3. Fundamental knowledge of cellular functions and phenotypes such as apoptosis, adhesion, migration and cell development
4. Understanding of future directions of cell and molecular biology research and well as human genetics
5. The learning outcomes will result in a comprehensive understanding of cell biology at various levels and its implications for human (patho)-physiology
6. Ability to write an original review paper on a chosen topic relevant to the module content
7. Understanding of novel technologies in studying cell and molecular aspects of human health and disease
8. Broad understanding of Genetics and Epigenetics

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	30	No Description
Tutorial	6	No Description
Independent Study	70	No Description
Seminars	4	No Description
Independent Study	5	No Description
Online activity	10	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Review Papers
Appropriate review papers will be provided through-out the course to support the topics covered. Review articles will cover- INTRODUCTION TO THE CELL 1. Cells and Genomes 2. Cell Chemistry and Bioenergetics 3. Proteins BASIC GENETIC MECHANISMS 4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes 5. DNA Replication, Repair, and Recombination 6. How Cells Read the Genome: From DNA to Protein 7. Control of Gene Expression WAYS OF WORKING WITH CELLS 8. Analyzing Cells, Molecules, and Systems 9. Visualizing Cells INTERNAL ORGANIZATION OF THE CELL 10. Membrane Structure 11. Membrane Transport of Small Molecules and the Electrical Properties of Membranes 12. Intracellular Compartments and Protein Sorting 13. Intracellular Membrane Traffic 14. Energy Conversion: Mitochondria and Chloroplasts 15. Cell Signaling 16. The Cytoskeleton 17. The Cell Cycle 18. Cell Death CELLS IN THEIR SOCIAL CONTEXT 19. Cell Junctions and the Extracellular Matrix 20. Cancer 21. Development of Multicellular Organisms 22. Stem Cells and Tissue Renewal

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Essay	Students will be required to select from a number of relevant topics provided at the start of semester. students may select their own topic once it meets the specific criteria. The assignment will be in the form of a literature review. Guidelines and instructions will be provided as well as a lecture on Scientific Writing.	40%	n/a
Short Answer Questions	Semester Final MCQ Examination	60%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Chapters by Bruce Alberts , Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff , Keith Roberts , Peter Walter: 0, Molecular Biology of the Cell, Sixth International Student Edition, 6th, By Authors: Alberts, Johnson, Lewis, Morgan, Rfaff, Roberts, Walter, ISBN10 081534

Other Resources

59112, Website, Khan Academy, 0,

The resourses required for this module will be perscribed during term and may change, depending on study focus. 1-2 books will also be outlined as core reading and information (as yet to be determined).