BI1S209 - Diversity of Cellular Life 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI1S209
Module Title: Diversity of Cellular Life
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Sciences
Module Leader: Sky Redhead
Module Team: Sioned Owen, Paul Summers, Harri Little, Charlotte Neath, Cerith Jones, Aaron Wall, Josephine Bradley
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100344 - biochemistry 100345 - biological sciences 100353 - microbiology
HECOS Code Weighting: 20 30 50

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

This module introduces life at a cellular level. On successful completion of this module, students should understand the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and be able to identify them based on diagrams as well as down a microscope. They will be able to name various cellular components as well as give their functions and how they contribute to the cell and the organism as a whole. Students will also gain an understanding of the cellular biochemistry, the cell types and structures as well as how cells communicate.

This module will teach students how to work safely in a laboratory setting. It will introduce the basic techniques needed to work with both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including but not limited to microscopy, and streaking bacteria. In addition, students will collect data during laboratory practical classes which they will learn how to work with and analyse.

In engaging with the module, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:

Communication: Behaviour 1

Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1, 2

Project Management: Behaviour 1

Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1, 2

The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.

Content Summary

Term one focuses on prokaryotes. Students will get to examine topics including but not limited to prokaryotes and their structure as well as explore their growth, diversity and communication strategies. Prokaryotic diversity and how prokaryotes fit into the tree of life will investigated. Practical classes will teach aseptic techniques and how to work safely with microorganisms.

Term two will focus on the fundamental principles which make the eukaryotic cells work together for the good of the organism – their biochemistry, what separates the inside from the outside, how intracellular compartments ensure functionality and modulation and cell communication.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 72
Directed Study 80
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Discover the diversity of cellular life. Understand the structure of prokaryote and eukaryote cells and the function of cellular components. Understand cellular communication strategies and biochemistry.
LO2 Generate and analyse experimental data. Communicate methodology and results to a scientific audience.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 Final Exam 140 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Poster 1 Scientific write up of results generated during a laboratory practical 0 800 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Onsite Closed Book Examination 1
Poster 1

Reading List

Tortora, G.J., Funke, B.R. and Case, C.L. (2007). Microbiology: an introduction (p. 912). San Francisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

Bauman, R.W. (2013). Microbiology with diseases by taxonomy. Pearson Higher Ed.

Karp, G., Iwasa, J. and Marshall, W. (2018). Karp's Cell Biology. John Wiley & Sons.

Pollard, T.D., Earnshaw, W.C., Lippincott-Schwartz, J. and Johnson, G. (2016). Cell biology. Elsevier Health Sciences.