Level: Level 1

Target Students:  Students on the first year of undergraduate degrees in the School of Life Sciences. This module is not open to students outside the School (except where agreement exists with other Schools), any enrolments made by students from outside the School will be cancelled without notice. There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice.

Taught Semesters:

Prerequisites: Two science A levels. A2-level in Chemistry and Biology or equivalent (e.g. Access/ International Qualification) is highly desirable.

Corequisites:  None.

Summary of Content:  This is a compulsory module composed of both lecture and practical elements, designed to provide students with an understanding of the cell biology, biochemistry and molecular genetics of living organisms. Topics covered will include the structure and function of cells and organelles, structure of proteins and enzymes, structure of DNA, transcription, translation, mutations, basic recombinant DNA technology, organisation and control of genes in a diversity of organisms, metabolism of macromolecules, structure of cell membranes, transport processes, cell signalling and cell division.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester

Method of Assessment: 

Convenor: 
Dr A Chambers
Dr J Arnold

Education Aims:  This is a compulsory module for all students undertaking a degree in the School of Life Sciences. It aims to provide students with a basic understanding on the biochemical and genetic processes occurring within the cell. It will prepare students who are embarking on any type of biological degree programme and will underpin more advanced biochemical and genetic modules in subsequent years. Practical sessions will illustrate the key principles covered in lectures as well as introduce some of the most important prokaryotic and eukaryotic model organisms used in genetic analysis.