PM1PY2-Fundamentals of Cell Biology

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: PM1PY1 Professional Practice 1 and PM1PY3 Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Science and PM1PY4 Introduction to Medicines Design and PM1PY5 Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Leanne Black
Email: l.e.j.black@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

An understanding of human physiology is essential for pharmacists as it allows students to understand the normal function of the human body and therefore the basis of therapeutic agents and lifestyle interventions. The module will also provide an important basis from which to understand the pathophysiology associated with the biological systems and the therapeutics studied in later modules. In order to begin to understand the function of physiological systems, it is crucial to have knowledge of the structure of mammalian cells and how this relates to cellular functions, many of which are targeted therapeutically. To this aim, students will also be provided with details of the biochemical pathways that underpin these processes. At the end of this module students will have achieved the fundamental knowledge that is required to understand therapeutics, pharmaceutics and major public health issues studied in later years within the MPharm programme.

Aims:

To introduce pharmacy students to the essential concepts of genetics, cell biology and biochemistry.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student will be expected to:

1. Outline the structure and function of a mammalian cell and the basic cellular processes that underpin physiology, including cellular and tissue communication.


2. Describe the principles of genetics (DNA and genetic code) and identify how changes in genetic function affect physiology and pathophysiology.


3. Outline fundamental biochemical processes including structure and function of proteins and relate them to physiology and pathophysiology.


4. Discuss principles of enzyme kinetics and relate this to chemical kinetics.


5. Outline some of the major metabolic pathways.


6. Show the ability to follow a laboratory standard operating procedure and display, analyse and process experimental data.

Additional outcomes:

Students should be able to:

• Find appropriate and reliable information sources.


• Apply referencing criteria.


• Understand plagiarism and academic integrity.

Outline content:

This module introduces basic biological concepts and general principles required by pharmacists to understand the normal function of the human body and thus, therapeutics. The course will outline the fundamental concepts of genetics, cell biology and biochemistry. These are crucial for understanding physiology and integrate more complex biology and biochemistry alongside development of physiological knowledge during the second part of the course. An appropriate range of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, group working and guided individual study will be used to achieve the learning outcomes and integrate with those of the other Part 1 modules, helping to contextualise relevance to the practice of pharmacy.

Genetics: Outlines and develops fundamental genetics and, using relevant examples, identifies how changes in genetics may affect cellular and systems physiology.

Cell Biology: Lectures outline the function of cells and cellular processes as a foundation to understanding the concepts of human physiology. Practical classes will provide a multidisciplinary and integrative approach to biology and physiology topics and ultimately to healthcare. Supplementary tutorials will be available for those students with no A-level biology experience.

Biochemistry: Outlines the fundamentals of biochemistry, elaborating on the acquired concepts of basic cell biology and identifying how changes in biochemical and metabolic pathways affect the homeostatic principles underlying physiology and pathological conditions. These biochemical concepts link to chemical topics covered in other part 1 modules and to later years.

Global context:

This module will develop core knowledge and show how this knowledge is relevant to the role of a pharmacist. The student will need to develop independent learning skills within this module to progress into Part 2 but should then be suitably equipped to tackle the rigour of an MPharm degree. The topics covered here will link into all modules of Part 2.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, group work, directed private study, self-directed learning, as well as practical-based laboratory classes. Some of the lectures or tutorials will utilise a team-based learning-like approach: activities will adopt characteristics of workshops where students will engage in formative activities e.g. group work, in-class discussion. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided and facilities fo r computer-aided literature searching for additional relevant materials will enable students to improve their own learning skills. Four two-hour tutorial sessions will prepare and support students for assessments. Supplementary tutorials are also provided for students without an A-level in Biology.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	23
Tutorials	15
Practicals classes and workshops	8
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10
Wider reading (directed)	20
Preparation for tutorials	20
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10
Revision and preparation	65	3	4
Reflection	22
Total hours by term	193	3	4
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Practical skills assessment	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

In the summer exam period:

1. Written examination (70% of module) - 2 hrs

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. In-Laboratory Practical Assessment (30% of module) - 2 hrs

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment is largely based on coursework and self-directed assessment and will reinforce each of the learning outcomes of the module. These will be staff, peer, or self- assessed and will include laboratory worksheets, written and online assignments. These assessments will provide students with feedback on their achievement of the learning outcomes and prepare them for the summative assessments.

Penalties for late submission:

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

• 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 five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

All summative assessments must be passed at 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination (written paper) in August.  Failed coursework assessment may be reassessed by an alternative piece of work, before or during the August examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 4 September 2023