- Course Code
- SM 1501
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr John Barrow / Dr Allison Carrington
Pre-requisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Notes
The practical work required in this course may pose difficulties to students with some disabilities. If this arises alternative arrangements will be made. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the School Disability Co-ordinator.
Overview
The course explores cells as the basic unit of life. All organisms are composed of cells whether they exist as single-celled microbes, or multi-cellular organisms, as in plants and animals. The course starts by discussing how cells evolved, illustrating the diversity of cells types while also showing how cells are all "variations on a theme". As the course progresses the structure and function of the cell is explored and the fundamental molecular concepts of life are introduced. Later in the course the focus will be on how cells are able to come together to form multi-cellular organisms such as animals and plants. This multi-cellularity requires cells to stick together and to communicate with each other. The course also explores how cells grow and divide and how some cells can differentiate to allow specialised functions. The last few lectures illustrate some of the exciting cell biology studies being carried out in the University of Aberdeen, ranging from fungal and parasite biology through to research into bone disease and cancer.
Structure
3 one hour lectures per week and 1 three hour practical class per fortnight.
Assessment
1st Attempt: 1 two-hour MCQ examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). Continuous assessment comprises: 5 laboratory reports and 5 MCQ tests.
Resit: 1 two-hour MCQ examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). This may contain material from both the practical and lecture components of the course.
Formative Assessment
PRS-based revision sessions allow students to practice for MCQ tests and receive feedback on their performance.
Feedback
Students are given general feedback on performance during PRS revision sessions.
Students receive on-line feedback on completion of the MCQ tests and quizzes.