CELB30110
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=CELB30110&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
Plant Cell Biology (CELB30110)
Subject: : Cell Biology
College: : Science
School: : Biology & Environment Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Professor Carl Ng
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : Blended
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
The cell is the basic building block of eukaryotic organisms, and understanding how cells develop and their physiological responses to the environment are key to our understanding of plant growth and development. This module expands on your understanding of basic cell biology by using the stomatal guard cell as the system to understand plant cell biology. This series of lectures will explore the genetic and molecular regulation of stomatal development and how stomatal guard cells respond to internal and external signals through changes in ion transport to effect changes in stomatal guard cell turgor. Practical components of this module include demonstrations of (i) advanced microscopy techniques (including laser scanning confocal microscopy), (ii) biolistic transformation, and (iii) techniques to assay for stomatal function and stomatal development.\ \
About this Module
Open All Close All
What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module, you will have a clear understanding of stomatal development and the basic processes underlying turgor changes in plant cells. You will also have a fundamental understanding of ion-based signalling systems in plant cells. You will also have an appreciation of fluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy, data interpretation, along with writing and communication skills essential for a practising scientist.
Indicative Module Content:
Key topics covered will include:\ (1) Ion transport\ (2) roles and functions of transport proteins (pumps, channels)\ (3) functions of transport proteins and ion transport in plant cell physiology\ (4) second messengers in cellular signalling \ (5) developmental genetics of stomatal development
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 |
| Practical | 24 |
| Specified Learning Activities | 6 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 83 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 125 |
\
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key teaching and learning approaches used in the module will include combinations of some of or all of the following:\ \ (1) task-based and problem-based learning\ (2) lectures\ (3) reports\ (4) demonstrations of lab techniques for plant cell biology\ \
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (In-person): End-of-Trimester Examination based on cellular development and cellular physiology. Students will have a choice of four questions (2 each in Sections A and B) where they have one from each section | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Graded | No | 80 | No |
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: Students are required to complete 2 short quizzes/exercises based on the confocal laser scanning microscopy and biolistic transformation small group rotation practical classes. | Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 | Graded | No | 20 | No |
\
Carry forward of passed components
No
\
What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Spring | No |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Feedback will be given for practical assignments via BrightSpace. Students are required to sit for a end-of-trimester examination.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Mortaza Khodaeiaminjan | 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.
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 1, 2 | Thurs 15:00 - 15:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4 | Wed 14:00 - 14:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 | Wed 14:00 - 14:50 |
| Autumn | Practical | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Thurs 14:00 - 15:50 |
| Autumn | Practical | Offering 2 | Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Thurs 16:00 - 17:50 |