On completion of the module, students should be able to:
use the light microscope for examination of cells,
list the differences between plant, animal and bacterial cells,
demonstrate a knowledge of basic cell structure, cell organelles and their function.
Explain the basics of homeostasis of the cell.
Aims
The module aims to introduce students to aspects of biology at the cellular level to prepare them for the cell biology modules they will meet in biological sciences at level 1.
Content
The module will deal with the structure of the various types of cell found throughout nature and with the structure and function of cell organelles. It will also deal with aspects of cell division.
Theoretical work on cell structure will be backed up by use of the light microscope to observe various cells. A comparison of different microscopic techniques for observing cells will involve a visit to the Electron Microscope Unit in IBS. The structure and function of the cell wall, plasma membrane, nucleus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi body, lysosome, mitochondrion secretory vacuole, food vacuole, chloroplast, centriole, cilium and flagellum will be discussed. Levels of organization of cells into tissues and tissues into organs will be covered. Homeostasis of the cell including water regulation, ionic balance and the importance of surface/volume will be described.