Module: Cell Structure & Function

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Cell Structure & Function
Module Code	BIO1037 (ITS: BE230)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To give a basic understanding of the structures and functions of membranes and subcellular organelles in the life of a cell To overview the process by which cells communicate with their environment To outline how membranous organelles in the cell are integrated into a network for protein trafficking To cite examples of abnormal transport, signalling and trafficking systems in human disease To introduce special techniques for the study of cell structure and function

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the process of protein trafficking in and out of the cell
2. Describe the complete process of cell signalling communication from receptor activation to the downstream changes in cell function
3. Explain the role of common intracellular signalling molecules in cell activation
4. Discriminate between the different signalling pathways in cells
5. Identify the structural organisation and function of the cell membrane

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Cell structure and function
Tutorial	6	Discussion of Cell Structure and Function
Independent Study	95	Reading recommended literature
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10736	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Cahill	Module Teacher	Christine Loscher, Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Paula Meleady

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Exam	On-line Loop written exam on key course learning outcomes	60%	As required
Oral Examination	Oral Exam	40%	n/a

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

Indicative Syllabus

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Becker: 2008, The World of The Cell, Seventh, All, Pearson International Edition,
Alberts,Bruce,Hopkin, Karen,Johnson, Alexander D.,Morgan, David,Raff, Martin,Roberts, Keith,Walter, Peter: 2018, Essential Cell Biology, W.W. Norton & Company, 0393680398
Scott Freeman,Kim Quillin,Lizabeth Allison,Michael Black,Emily Taylor,Greg Podgorski,Jeff Carmichael: 2017, Biological Science, Global Edition, 6, 1292165073

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None