Module: Cell & Molecular Physiology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Cell & Molecular Physiology
Module Code	SPO1033 (ITS: SS331)
Faculty	Health & Human Performance	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	11589	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	Ronan Murphy	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment 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; 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

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Website: Khan Academy,

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).