Course info

MODULE TITLE : CELL BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

MODULE DIRECTOR : Professor Samson Adewale  Oyebadejo 

DEPARTMENT: BIOMEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES

FACULTY: APPLIED FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCES

 

MODULE INFORMATION

 Module Code : CBG; 8104                               

Module Title: Cell Biology and Genetics

Level: 8     

Semester: 1           

Credits: 10

Pre-requisite or co-requisite modules: None

Allocation of study and teaching hours (see notes of guidance);

TOTAL STUDENT HOURS: 100	Student hours	Staff hours
Lectures	30	60
Seminar/Workshop	10	5
Practical class laboratory	10	10
Structured exercises	5	10
Set readings etc.	10	7
Self-direct study	10
Assignment-preparation and writing	15
Examination-revision and attendance	10
Invigilation		3
Marking		5
Total student hours	100	100

 

MODULE DESCRIPTION & AIMS

This module provides an introduction to the basic concepts of cell biology with a focus on cell structure and function, biological molecules, genetic code and theories of inheritance. The subject aims to develop students' professional skills through the introduction of a range of basic laboratory, analytical and quantitative skills used to investigate the cell structure and the functional significance of their sub-cellular organization. Students also learn how to utilize modern library resources to find and review published research literature, evaluate its content and significance, and create both written and oral presentations that can be used to communicate core scientific concepts. After completing this subject, students should be able to gather, evaluate and apply necessary information relevant to a scientific problem.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

A.  KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

i.      Understand the cell theory and its scientific discovery.

ii.      Understand the gross and the fine structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

iii.  Understand the nature and structure of nucleic acids and their role in protein synthesis.

iv.  Describe the chemical nature of enzymes and their role in metabolism.

v.    Effectively explain and demonstrate the use of the light microscopy and related techniques in the study of cells.

vi.  Describe Mendel’s breeding experiments and explain Mendel’s results in terms of the particulate theory of inheritance.

vii. Examine the genetic code and the chromosomal theory.

viii. Describe mutations and their role in causing variation in populations.

 

B.  COGNITIVE / INTELLECTUAL SKILLS / APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE

To ensure that the module has been successfully completed, students should be able to:

I. Describe the composition and structure of the cell

II. Explain the functions of the cell membrane and organelles

III.  Identify different types of the cells

XI. Detail the role of cell communication in processes such as apoptosis, necrosis

XII. Explain types of cell division and life cycle and their role in human body

XIII. Demonstrate different aspects in the course of the cellular cycle interphase, chromosomal DNA and its wrap up, chromosomal structure, and chromosomal replication.

C.  COMMUNICATION/ICT/ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES/PRACTICAL SKILLS

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

I. Interpret the Structure, properties and functions: permeability, transport, movement, role in the information exchange the cell coat.

II. Identify and interpret the different stages of cellular cycle, chromosomal DNA and its wrap up, chromosomal replication.

D.  GENERAL TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

To ensure that the module of Cell Biology has been successfully completed, students should be able to:

I.                   Explain diagnose some diseases related to cell abnormalities.

II. Participate in research project related to the field of cell biology

II.               Explain and apply on cellular biology microscopy

IV. Participate in research projects in the field of genetics.

 

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Cell biology unit

❖   Introduction to cell biology (History of cell biology, definition of cell, key applications of cell biology)

❖   Cell diversity and classification

❖   Ultra-structure and organization of cell organelles

❖   Cyto-skeleton and cell motility

❖   Types of cell division (mitosis, meiosis and Meiosis and gametogenesis

❖   Relationship between cells, tissues and organs

❖   Cellular communication

❖   Cellular abnormalities

❖   The application of microscopy in cellular biology

Genetics unit

MENDELIAN GENETICS

❖    Mendel's first law: principle of segregation

❖    Mendel's second law: principle of independent assortment

❖    Mendel's third law: principle of Dominance

 

INTRODUCTION TO:

❖   Synthesis of proteins and RNA

❖   Replication and reparation of the DNA

❖   Genetic recombination

 

CHROMOSOME STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

❖   Chromosome Morphology

❖   Normal Chromosome

❖   Human Chromosome Abnormalities and genetic disorders

❖   Environment and Gene Expression

❖   Incomplete dominance

❖   Epistasis

❖   Polygenic Inheritance

❖   Pleiotropy

❖   Cytogenetics

❖   Introduction to Gene structure

❖   Multiple genes and alleles

❖   Gene regulation of functions

❖   Gene and Chromosomal mutation

 

8.      LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES

Basic factual material is discussed in lectures and seminars, and practical skills are acquired and practiced in the laboratory. Face-to-face interaction, Presentation, Group work and Assignment/individual research shall all be used. Students will be expected to undertake directed learning following each lecture to complement the taught topics and independent learning is required to reinforce the student's knowledge, e.g. in relation to coursework assignments and the final examination. Find strategies that can promote gender equality (For example a special attention to females, encourage them to feel free during presentation, etc.).

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

Formative assessment is by means of regular tutorial exercises. Feedback to students on their performance, professional behaviour, solutions and their progress towards learning outcomes is provided during lectures and tutorial classes. The summative assessment consists of two major methodologies:

Problem Based Learning Projects, Case-studies, professional group assignments and internships where students demonstrate their ability to solve problems in the professional environment.

The written examination at the end of a module. This gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their overall achievement of learning outcomes. It also allows them to give evidence of the higher levels of knowledge and understanding.

Two assessments will be organized: in course assessment (CAT+ self-directed works) which will count for 60% and a final exam which will count for 40%.

ASSESSMENT PATTERN (METHODS & WEIGHTINGS):

Component	Weighting (%)	Learning objectives covered
In-course assessment:	60
Assignments and seminars	20	i-v
Laboratory reports	20	vi-xvi
CAT	20	i- xvi
Final assessment:	40	i-xix

 

Strategy for feedback and student support during module

Examples, assignments, exercises and problems allow student to monitor their progress and staff to appreciate progress throughout the duration of the module.

The feedback on formative assessments provided in time help the students to recognize their strengths and errors, for improvement of their performances.

INDICATIVE RESOURCES:

❖   Bray, D. (2001). Cell Movements: From Molecules to Motility. Garland. Excellent overview of the cytoskeleton and motility. Various authors. Curr. Topics Cell Biol. February issue is always devoted to the cytoskeleton.

❖   Cumings K. (1997). Concepts of genetics, (5th edition)

❖   Lewis S.M. and Bates I. (2001). Practical haematology (9th edition)

❖   Hoffbrand, A.V. (1992).Essential Haematology, Blackwell Science Ltd

❖   Sykes, Bryan (2001). The Seven Daughters of Eve: The Science that Reveals Our Genetic Ancestry. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.

❖   Verma P. S. and Agarwal V. K. (2001) cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, 1st edition. New Delhi: Chanda and company