CELB30120
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=CELB30120&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=BGS4&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Hot Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology (CELB30120)
Subject: : Cell Biology
College: : Science
School: : Biology & Environment Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Dr Susanne Schilling
Trimester: : Spring
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
Cell biology as a discipline is unique in considering organism function at several scales - the molecular, cellular and whole organism. In order to understand how cells function in context, it is vital that a wide range of methodological approaches are employed that can explore these different scales. This practical module provides students with a broad overview of the techniques that are commonly used in modern molecular cell biology research. The information provided will be relevant to the study of the structure and function of cells from higher organisms, both animal and plant, and their parts. The lectures will describe the theories and principles behind each of the methods, in addition to discussing their practical aspects and limitations. Workshops will allow for group discussion around the latest advancements in cell biology techniques. The laboratory work will consist of a series of experiments that demonstrate fundamental methodologies in cell biology, thereby introducing the process of systematic scientific research and critical evaluation of results obtained. The practical exercises, carried out in research laboratories, include hands-on experience of molecular biology; animal and plant cell culture; cellular assays; use of immunofluorescence and the green fluorescent protein; and confocal microscopy and its associated techniques. The practical component will run over 5 consecutive days during the trimester break.
About this Module
Open All Close All
What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the module students will have: an understanding of experimental approaches, and their application to specific problems in cell biology; acquired a range of core practical skills to study molecular cell biology; the ability to use fluorescent light microscopes; the ability to analyse experimental cell biology data; learned the importance of discussion and communication of scientific results.
Indicative Module Content:
Introduction to methods in molecular cell biology\ Mammalian cell culture\ Three-dimensional cell culture methods for mammalian cells\ Transfection of cultured cells\ Fluorescence light microscopy\ PCR, genetic manipulation and gene cloning\ Protein biochemistry\ Cell-based assays\ molecular diagnostic assays\ RNA-based techniques
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 |
| Small Group | 4 |
| Laboratories | 35 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 74 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 125 |
\
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module delivers content through a combination of lectures and an intensive 4-day practical laboratory experience.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Not applicable to this module.
\
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module. \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment(Including Essay): literature review in the style of a short scientific review | Week 14 | Graded | No | 50 | No |
| Report(s): Lab Report in Form of a short scientific paper including abstract, introduction, methods, results and discussion, including a draft version | Week 9, Week 12 | Graded | No | 50 | No |
\
Carry forward of passed components
Yes
\
What happens if I fail?
| Remediation Type | Remediation Timing |
|---|---|
| In-Module Resit | Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment\ • Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Formative Assessment for Lab Report
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Simone Marcone | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Assoc Professor Rainer Melzer | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dr Margaritha Mysior | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Assoc Professor Antoinette Perry | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dr Susanne Schilling | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Professor Jeremy Simpson | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Assoc Professor Gavin Stewart | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dr Paola Valentini | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 27 | Mon 09:00 - 16:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 | Mon 14:00 - 14:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 27 | Thurs 09:00 - 16:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 27 | Tues 09:00 - 16:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 27 | Wed 09:00 - 16:50 |