DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU
<< Back to Module List

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

No Banner module data is available

Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Ronan Murphy
Semester 2: Ronan Murphy
Autumn: Ronan Murphy
Module TeachersRonan Murphy
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
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



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture30No Description
Tutorial6No Description
Independent Study70No Description
Seminars4No Description
Independent Study5No Description
Online activity10No 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% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayStudents 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 QuestionsSemester Final MCQ Examination60%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
Indicative Reading List

  • Alberts et al: 0, !!!Book Not Found, 6th, By Authors: Alberts, Johnson, Lewis, Morgan, Rfaff, Roberts, Walter, ISBN10 081534
Other Resources

None
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).

<< Back to Module List