BL2305 Cell Systems
(BL2305 online module handbook version 130)
Cells are often considered to be the fundamental unit of life. This module will discuss how cells interact with one another to form complex tissues and organisms. You will consider, the structure-function relationship of a variety of cell types, including those involved in forming muscles, neuronal networks, blood and immunity and infectious diseases. The mechanisms by which cells communicate in order to mediate the complex physiology of an organism will be discussed and you will consider how disruption of these cell systems can lead to disease states.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 2†
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
BL2305: 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
BL2305: Contributing Staff †
BL2305: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL2305 successfully should be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the structure-function relationship of cells and tissues.
- Describe core signal transduction pathways including steroid hormones, G-proteins and tyrosine kinases
- Explain how neurons communicate to mediate complex biological functions.
- Compare and contrast the anatomical and physiological features of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle.
- Discuss how the different cells types of the immune system mediate immunity.
- Manipulate and interpret cellular and physiological data.
BL2305: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Biological drawing and photography
- Compound Microscopy
- Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA)
- Handling microbes
- Measuring structures using microscopes
- Pipetting
- Protein purification
- Purpose and practice of dissection
- SDS PAGE
- Stereomicroscopy
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - participating
- Journal club
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- "Short" practical write-up (e.g. completed worksheet)
- Short essay (1000-2000 words)
- Summary
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Problem-solving questions
- Calculations/equations
- Data analysis
- Data presentation
- Produce graphs/figures
- Produce tables
- Use Excel
- Lab or field notebook
- 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/
