BL2301 Cell Biology
(BL2301 online module handbook version 52)
image: Cultured primary fibroblast cells expressing a GFP-tagged pre-mRNA splicing factor (yellow) and stained with DAPI (blue) and phalloidon (white).†
The module will introduce the concept of 'a cell', moving on to discuss different types of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell. The structure and function of a variety of sub-cellular compartments will be examined. The diversity of different cell types within multicellular organisms will be highlighted, together with an overview of how this diversity is achieved.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL1101 and pass BL1102*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL2301: Assessment
2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL2301: Contributing Staff †
BL2301: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL2301 successfully should be able to:
- Consider the characteristics of a wide range of cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) including their requirements for growth and how they can be exploited experimentally
- Relate the component parts of cells to their functions, including how these can be investigated experimentally
- Consider the characteristics of a wide range of cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) including their requirements for growth and how they can be exploited experimentally
- Relate the component parts of cells to their functions, including how these can be investigated experimentally
- Appreciate the plasticity of the genome, and its control, and how this can be studied experimentally
BL2301: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Biological drawing and photography
- Buffers
- Compound Microscopy
- Handling invertebrate cells
- Handling microbes
- Pipetting
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - leading
- Group discussion - participating
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- Short essay (1000-2000 words)
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Searching databases
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Ethical considerations
- Lab safety awareness
- Problem-solving questions
- Data analysis
- Data presentation
- Produce graphs/figures
- Volumes
- Critiquing experimental design
- Designing experiments
- Generate class dataset
- Organising group work
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
