STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION 1: CELLS AND GENES IN CONTEXT - 2023/4

Module Overview

Understanding the molecular aspects of living cells is of vital importance for many other aspects of the veterinary curriculum. This module will combine lecture-based learning with scientific laboratory practical sessions. Initial laboratory skills will be acquired and techniques carried out will be relevant across various disciplines especially physiology and histology and pathology. The basic concepts of physiology will be introduced such as homeostasis of systems. 


 

Module provider

School of Veterinary Medicine

Module Leader

WILKINSON William (Vet Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Module content

Topics


Practical session




Pro/eukaryotic cell structure and biochemistry of lipids


Visualising the cell – light microscopy, electron-microscopy




Plasma membrane structure and transport




Mitochondria and energy biochemistry and carbohydrates




Electron transport chains and proton pumps




Intracellular vesicular transport




Cytoskeleton and molecular motors


Histological tissue staining – cells in context –




Cell communication - Receptors




Receptors and Signalling Pathways 1 (Cell communication – cellular events controlled by signalling pathways, local versus distant control, cell surface or intracellular receptors, cytokines and their structure




Receptors and Signalling Pathways 2: The most important receptor types and function: ligate-gated ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and nuclear receptors


Cytology preparations using and seeing staining techniques




Receptors and Signalling Pathways 3: Endocrine receptors and function of hormones and their structure




Cell cycle




Cell death




Stem cells




Genes and Inheritance, Mendelian principles


DNA, RNA extraction




Genes and Breeding for specific traits




Mitosis, Meiosis




Nucleus - Chromosomes




Nucleosomes, Chromatin, Genes, DNA and their biochemistry




DNA replication


PCR and agarose gels




DNA Replication controls, recombination and repair




Transcriptional control / gene expression


 




Posttranscriptional modification, mRNA




Translation - mRNA




Biochemistry of Protein synthesis, structure and folding




Enzymes + Hormones




Cellular mechanisms of deviance: oncogenes and cancer, protein mis-folding and oxidative stress




Mutations, polymorphisms, genetic maps and SNPs, sequencing and phylogeny

 




Physiological concepts – homeostasis, buffering systems, Henderson Hasselbalch equation, osmotic pressures etc.

 


 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Resits for the poster assignment will involve a written report in related subject area to be determined by the module coordinator.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

Their understanding of cell structure and function as well as basic genetic (to be assessed within the written examination and poster)

Development of literature searching, critical thinking, presenting and writing skills in the area of applied genetics (to be assessed within the poster)

An understanding of microscope use and cell structure and the role of the microscope in diagnosis in veterinary practice (to be assessed within the written examination)

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

Written examination – MCQ & Short answer questions - 80% (2 hours)

Group poster assignment – 20 %

 

Formative assessment and feedback

Formative assessment will take place during the practical sessions. The students will be provided useful feedback that will help them to prepare for the written examination.

Module aims

• Provide an understanding of cells and how they work
• Provide an understanding of the genetic factors in animal breeding
• Provide students with a basic knowledge of physiological principles
• Develop an appreciation for physiological feedback, control and regulatory mechanisms 

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Develop the practical laboratory skills needed for progression in the Structure and Function modules

Provide the students some insight into use of on line learning resources

The learning and teaching methods include:

Lectures = 34 hours

Practical session in the laboratory = 12 hours

2 x Case-based discussions/on line sessions – 3 hours = 6 hours

Total 60 hours contact time

 

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: VMS1003

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.