MD1A4-45 Integrated Science Organelles and Cells
Introductory description
The module aims to equip students with the conceptual, theoretical and computational skills required for the analysis and engineering of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organelles and cells.
Module aims
Students will learn to solve scientific problems in this area by integrating concepts and approaches from different scientific disciplines, including biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics and computing.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Mathematical Skills Block:
In this block, you will develop essential mathematical skills crucial for data analysis and theoretical simulations. Biological questions will be solved through both mathematical theories and computing exercises using Python.
Bioelectricity Block:
In this block, we will explore how cells harness electricity to transmit information. You'll learn how cells generate electro-chemical gradients, use protein ion channels to regulate ion flow, and how this electrical activity controls vital processes like heartbeat, muscle movement, and thought. Through hands-on experiments and computer models, you'll investigate how these processes are essential for life and medical innovation.
Synthetic Biology Block:
In this block, you'll explore the natural process of protein synthesis and investigate how synthetic biology can modify this process to create proteins with novel amino acids, codons, and translation machinery. Through this exploration, you'll uncover how synthetic reconstruction not only expands our understanding of biology but also drives innovation in research, industry, and medicine.
Light Block:
Light microscopy is key for observation at cell and tissue levels. In this block, you'll explore the principles of light microscopy and gain hands-on experience by dissecting the eduWOSM, an open-source light microscope. You'll learn how to adapt this tool to tackle an unanswered biological question.
Chemical Biology Block:
This block introduces the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry as they apply to biomolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. You'll explore their supramolecular interactions and discover how these principles drive biological processes.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to apply creative analytical thinking in order to frame and answer scientific questions, especially about the structures, functions and mechanisms of cells and cellular organelles.
- Demonstrate a grasp of physical law as it applies to the structures and behaviours of living cells and their organelles, especially nuclei.
- Use mathematical approaches to solve problems relating to the structure and behaviours of living cells and their organelles.
- Describe and interpret quantitatively the mechanisms by which life harnesses electrical forces
- Access and use the scientific literature effectively
- Demonstrate the writing skills required to report experimental results in the format of a scientific paper, including the ability to write an abstract, to write a short critical review of the relevant literature, present results in an appropriate format and detail with appropriate statistics, discuss the results and frame a clear conclusion.
- Harness computation to analyse scientific data
- Demonstrate the hands-on practical skills required to perform experimental tests of tractable scientific questions, especially about the structure and dynamics of cells and their organelles.
- Describe and interpret quantitatively how synthetic biology can be used to interrogate the mechanisms of life.
- Demonstrate a grasp of the properties of light and the principles of optical image formation
- Describe and interpret quantitatively how chemical biology can be used to interrogate the mechanisms of life.
- Demonstrate the ability to accurately record experimental procedures and results in appropriate detail.
- Operate safely within a laboratory environment.
Indicative reading list
Biophysics and Physics
Physical Biology of the Cell Phillips et al Garland Science 2013
Molecular cell biology
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 2014. Bruce Alberts et al ISBN: 9780815344322.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry (8th Edition) 2015. Jeremy Berg et al. ISBN-10: 1-4641-2610-0.
Lewin’s Genes XI, 2013. Krebs, Goldstein, Kilpatrick. ISBN: 128402721X
Chemistry
Principles of Modern Chemistry, 8th Edition 2016
Oxtoby, Gillis, Butler ISBN: 9781305079113
Mathematics
Street-fighting mathematics 2010. Mahajan. ISBN : 978-0-262-51429-3
Measurements and their uncertainties 2010. Hughes & Hase. ISBN: 978-0-19-956632-7
Statistics at the bench 2010. Bremer & Doerge. ISBN: 978-0-87969-857-7
Basic mathematics for chemists Peter Tebbutt (2nd edition) 1998. Wiley ISBN: 978-0-471-97284-6
Computing
Physical models of living systems Philip Nelson 2015 WH Freeman ISBN: 978-1-4641-4029-7
Programming in Python 3: A Complete Introduction to the Python Language (Developer's Library) Mark Summerfield ISBN: 978-0-321-68056-3
Math notes on Trigonometry, Basic Calculus, Complex Numbers, Taylor Series and Fourier Transform (https://moodle.warwick.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=38600)
Interdisciplinary
Combines the methods of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and computing to interrogate the mechanisms of living systems.
Subject specific skills
The ability to apply creative analytical thinking in order to frame incisive, tractable scientific questions, especially about the structures, functions and mechanisms of cells and cellular organelles.
The ability to demonstrate a grasp of physical law as it applies to the structures and behaviours of living cells and their organelles, especially nuclei.
The ability to solve problems relating to the structure and behaviours of living cells and their organelles.
Be able to describe and discuss how chemical biology and synthetic biology can be used to interrogate the mechanisms of life.
The ability to use mathematical and computational approaches to solve problems relating to biomolecular structures, functions and reactivities The ability to explain the organisation and behaviour of biomolecules, including the mechanisms by which biomolecules self-organise. The ability to design and describe simple optical circuits and to use focussed light to interrogate systems of biologically-relevant molecules.
Transferable skills
Usage of mathematical and computational approaches to solve problems.
A grasp of safety rules and an ability to work safely in the laboratory environment.
The skills to accurately record experimental procedures and results, in appropriate detail.
The skills to use computational and statistical approaches to analyse data.
The skills to access and use the scientific literature effectively.
The writing skills required to report experimental results in the format of a scientific paper.
Study time
| Type | Required | Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 30 sessions of 1 hour (7%) | |
| Tutorials | 30 sessions of 1 hour (7%) | 10 sessions of 2 hours |
| Practical classes | 30 sessions of 3 hours (20%) | |
| Private study | 150 hours (33%) | |
| Assessment | 150 hours (33%) | |
| Total | 450 hours |
Private study description
Background reading in relation to each block (set of experiments), including reading scientific papers that are then referenced in the write ups.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group D2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| 3 x laboratory reports | 40% | 60 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Students work in pairs to carry out laboratory experiments that address unsolved scientific questions. At the end of each 2-week Block of the module, the results obtained are written up as a report in the format of a scientific paper. Each report will be 1500 words. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Mathematical Skills | 20% | 9 hours | No |
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Students will be tested on their mathematical skills from Block 6 with an in-class, short-answer test based on problem sets that they have been set during this block. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Assessment of laboratory skills | 20% | 72 hours | No |
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Assessing the proficiency in laboratory techniques, observing good laboratory practice, engagement and contribution to group experiments. |
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Reassessment component |
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| Laboratory Skills | No | ||
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A written examination testing knowledge of practical laboratory skills, use of laboratory equipment, basic calculations, experimental procedures and good laboratory practice. Examination questions are reflective of what a student would have learnt during the laboratory practicals, with the theoretical knowledge being present in Laboratory Handbook and the Lab Protocol. |
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Assessment component |
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| Written examination | 20% | 9 hours | No |
Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Laboratory reports - submission annotated and returned, general comments/'what was good'/'what could be improved' alongside marking rubric.
Assessment of laboratory skills - at the end of each two-week laboratory session, block leads will provide comments on proficiency, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and engagement/group contribution that arise. Due to the volume of feedback, stock phrases will be provided to the block leads, which may be amended or expanded at the lead's discretion. Further verbal feedback will be given to students on request.
In terms of practicalities, following GLP, executing the laboratory protocol, attaining proficiency in techniques taught and engaging/contributing to group activities (where required) will be based at 62 on the 20-point University scale. Exceptional attainment/contributions will grade higher, whereas disengagement, not observing GLP, and an unwillingness to acquire lab proficiency will score lower. Marks will not take into account whether a student achieved a desired experimental result or not. The block lead will work with the laboratory technician in observing and recording these across the cohort. Feedback will be provided biweekly at the end of each block.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UMDA-CF10 Undergraduate Integrated Natural Sciences (MSci)