Module: Biochemistry & Cell Biology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Code	BCH1001 (ITS: NS133)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The aim of this module is designed to enable the student to develop an understanding of the basic structure and function of human cells and how they communicate to form tissues, organs and organ systems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciate the structure and function of human cells.
2. Demonstrate an ability to distinguish between Human Eukaryotic cells and Prokaryotic cells.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the major macromolecules in the body and provide a knowledge of the building blocks of carbohydrates, fats, nucleic acids and proteins
4. Identify the major organelles in the cell and consider their role in the provision of energy, structure etc., to the organism
5. Appreciate the nature and behaviour of heredity determinants
6. Demonstrate a knowledge of how cells amalgamate to form tissues
7. Appreciate the four major tissue types in the body.
8. Exhibit an understanding of the fundamentals of medical microbiology

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	30	No Description
Independent Study	78	Associated reading and online resources
Online activity	2	MCQ quiz
Online activity	5	Viewing online videos
Tutorial	10	Tutorial
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10133	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	10%	Examination Weight	90%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Buchanan	Module Teacher	Patricia Johnson

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	n/a	10%	n/a
Formal Examination	Written exam MCQs	90%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Cell Biology and Biochemistry

Human Genetics

Tissue

Functional characteristics of blood

Structural and functional organisation of the Human Body

Medical Microbiology

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Freeman S. Biological Science, Pearson, Prentice Hall Resources: 2016, Biological Science, 6th, Chapters 3-9,11,12,15,28-35, Prentice Hall, 978-032184180

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None