Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Recognise and be able to describe the structure and function of key components of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
• Explain homeostatic processes with reference to cellular physiology.
• Describe the principles of digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Describe how optimal blood flow distribution around the body is ensured by a combination of cardiac function and peripheral blood flow regulatory mechanisms.
• Describe the hormonal main controls on metabolism.
• Describe the control, structure and function of skeletal muscle and smooth muscle.
• Understand the structure and function of the cytoskeleton.
• Describe the structure of a typical biological membrane and explain the ways in which polar and non-polar substances cross this barrier.
• Describe the structure and function of the mammalian respiratory system.
• Understand the organisation and structure of the four basic tissue types and their association into organs and systems.
• Describe the endocrine regulation of reproduction.
• Identify each of the main steps involved in the cell cycle and consequences of the process going wrong.
• Describe the autonomic nervous system and its role in co-ordinating behaviours.
• Explain and describe evidence for the ionic basis of the resting potential membrane and action potential in excitable cells. Calculate equilibrium and membrane potentials using the Nernst and Goldman equations.
• Describe the main neuroendocrine axes.
• Describe the structure and function of the mammalian kidney.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Develop team-based skills in working in a laboratory in a small group.
• Be able to analyse and present data.
• Understand how to work safely in a laboratory and to put this into practise

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Know how to safely set up a compound microscope, prepare slides of biological samples and observe biological structures using and appropriate magnification.
• Be able to carry out a simple dissection of animal tissue and conduct analysis of muscle physiology.
• Understand how to analyse human respiration
• Know how to use a haemocytometer to count cells
• Draw annotated diagrams of biological structures and features.

Organelles and components of the cell.

Cell division.

Organisation of cells into tissues.

Homeostatic processes in cellular physiology.

Blood flow and distribution.

Digestion and nutrient absorption.

Kidney function.

Autonomic nervous system.

Structure and function of skeletal and smooth muscle.

Mammalia respiration.

Endocrine system.

Hormonal control of metabolism

Endocrine regulation of reproduction.

The module will be taught using a combination of lectures and laboratory practical classes.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Practical

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: Yes

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.