Download ABCT203

Subject Description Form
Subject Code
ABCT203
Subject Title
Cell Biology
Credit Value
3 credits
Level
2
Pre-requisite /
Co-requisite/
Exclusion
None
Objectives
To develop students an understanding of basic chemical components of
cells; an appreciation of the structures and functions of cell organelles
and the cell as an entity.
Intended Learning
Outcomes
On successfully completing this subject, students will be able to
Subject Synopsis/
Indicative Syllabus
1. describe the structural organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells,
including an introduction to the major types of organelles, their functions
and the relationship between organelle architecture and functions.
2. relate the properties and functions of plasma membrane to its structural
architecture.
3. explain the phenomena that are essential to the activities of all living cells:
energy transformations and the use of enzymes to catalyze chemical
reactions.
4. integrate the working principles of different microscopies commonly used
in cell biology and be able to apply the techniques in different situations.
5. identify the sequence and different signaling molecules involved in
controlling a eukaryotic cell cycle.
6. explain the nature of stem cell and recognize its potential applications.
Introduction to Cells
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, microscopy
Chemistry of Cells
Importance of water; biomolecules in cells, bioenergetics and catalysis
Structure and Function of Cell Organelles
The architecture of plasma membrane, transport across membrane, internal
membranes and cell energetic; chemical signaling between cells; cytoskeleton
and cell movement; endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus,
lyzosomes, peroxisomes, mitochondrion, chloroplast and the nucleus.
Cell Cycles and Development of Cell Specificity in Eukaryotes
Cell cycle and cells in early stage of development; control of cell growth and
cell signaling; cell lineage and differentiation.
1.2011
Teaching/Learning
Methodology
Lectures are provided for students to acquire general and basic understandings
and concepts of the subject. By an interactive approach, students are
encouraged to raise questions and answer the questions in class after the lecture
period.
Tutorials are designed to provide the environment for discussions on the subject
materials. In-depth exercises and case studies are held in the tutorials helping
students develop relational study among different areas of the subject.
Practical classes allow students to experience some major and essential
experimental techniques and to train them to develop their ability of designing
experiments, data interpretation and report writing. The practical works also
help students put their knowledge into practice.
The continuous assessment consists of different components: group
presentations, laboratory report write-ups and quizzes. The content of each
component is in line with the content of the interactive lectures taught in class.
Examination is focused on analytical skills and problem solving skills in
solving problems in cell biology.
Assessment
Methods in
Alignment with
Intended Learning
Outcomes
Specific assessment
methods/tasks
%
weighting
Intended subject learning outcomes
to be assessed (Please tick as
appropriate)
1
2
3
4
5
1. Quiz 1
20
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2. Quiz 2
20
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3. Lab. Report
5
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4. Tutorial
5
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5. Exam
50
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Total
100 %
Explanation of the appropriateness of the assessment methods in assessing the
intended learning outcomes:
Students are required to pass both examination and continuous assessment for
the completion of the subject.
Student Study
Effort Required
Class contact:

lecture and tutorial

lab
38Hrs.
6Hrs.
Other student study effort:

1.2011
self-study
42Hrs.

Total student study effort
Reading List and
References
The World of the Cell (6th Ed) –
Becker W.M., Kleinsmith, L.J. & Hardin, J.
2005 Int. Ed.
Essential Cell Biology (2nd Ed) –
Alberts, B. et al. – Garland 2003
1.2011
Hrs.
42Hrs.
Pearson/Benjamin/Cummings