BI2CM1: Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology

Module code: BI2CM1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Eva Kevei , email: e.g.kevei@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Andrew Bicknell, email: a.b.bicknell@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Cell and Molecular Biology is the study of the structure and function of cells and the macromolecules that define them. Every cell is like a small factory with specialised structures and signals that work together to allow a cell to survive, divide, communicate with its neighbours and the environment in which it exists. The aim of cell biologists is to understand the molecular pathways that orchestrate cellular function. In modern times, the structure and function of eukaryotic cells are investigated mainly at the molecular level, through a combination of biochemical and genetic methods. The use of these methods has led to great advances in our understanding of complex processes such as cell division, cell signalling, cell differentiation and cell movement. 

This module will expand your understanding of the processes underlying cellular function learnt in BI1CM1 Cell and Molecular Principles of Life and overall, aims to explore at the molecular level the mechanisms by which cells work and how these mechanisms are regulated. We will do this through a mixture of lectures and a number of tutorials where you will read, interpret and discuss data from primary scientific literature. The module also aims for you to gain competence in cell and molecular techniques used in modern cell biology by a series of structured practical classes where you will gain hands on experience in the lab and enable you to use the techniques to solve a cell biology problem. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Describe and discuss the structure and function of eukaryotic cells 
2. Design experimental strategies to interrogate molecular pathways and cellular processes.  
3. Demonstrate competence in the application of molecular and cell biology techniques to generate data. 
4. Interpret and discuss experimental data from primary literature 
5. Integrate concepts from across the module to explain complex cellular functions 

Module content

Lecture material includes the following topics: 

• Overview of the structure of the eukaryotic cell, its internal organisation and the function of each cellular organelle at the molecular level. 
• Elements of the cytoskeleton required for upkeep of cell structure and function. 
• Cellular trafficking pathways. 
• Regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and protein synthesis. 
• Post translational modification of proteins. 
• Cellular mechanisms for control of cell growth, survival, proliferation and differentiation. 
• The molecular basis of cell adhesion and cell motility. 
• Intracellular quality control and recycling mechanisms. 
• Molecular and cell biology techniques and model systems used to interrogate cellular processes. 

Tutorials include the following training / activities: 

• 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and critical discussion of primary scientific literature. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratory-based practical classes, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard.   

Tutorial sessions will prepare and support students to read and interpret primary scientific literature. 

The laboratory practical sessions will provide training on how to use laboratory equipment and molecular biology reagents appropriately to solve a cell biology problem required for the practical skills assessment. 

Study hours

At least 52 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Students taking the BSc Biomedical Science or MSci Biomedical Science programme must also achieve a mark of at least 40% in each summative assessment.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs