Undergraduate Course: Molecules and Cells (FNDN07021)
Course Outline
| School | Centre for Open Learning |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 7 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This foundational biology course explores the molecular and cellular basis of life, emphasising biotechnology applications and therapeutic uses. You will gain an understanding of biology's molecular and cellular components while building a strong foundation in laboratory techniques, calculations and the scientific method.
Through lectures, tutorials, workshops and laboratory sessions students will explore the biotechnology applications and therapeutic uses of molecular and cellular biology.
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| Course description |
This course prepares you for undergraduate study in Biological, Biomedical, Ecological, and Chemical Sciences. Engaging in interactive lectures, workshops, and practical laboratory sessions, you will deepen your understanding of biological molecules and cell biology, and explore advanced concepts like biotechnology and cell therapies.
You will gain essential scientific skills in experimental design, data analysis, microscopy techniques, and safe laboratory practices. Throughout the course, you will learn how to analyse scientific data, write clear scientific reports, and solve complex biological problems. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills will give you a strong foundation for your future studies.
You will explore the fundamental building blocks of life, examining how biological molecules function and interact at various levels. You will investigate the structure and role of DNA, proteins, and other key cellular components, before delving into the complexities of cellular processes and metabolic pathways. The course will then progress to more advanced topics, including biotechnology applications and therapeutic uses of cells. Throughout the course, you will consider how these principles apply to current research in areas such as personalised medicine and genetic engineering.
The course will develop your essential skills in experimental design, data interpretation, and mathematical analysis, alongside fundamental laboratory techniques. You will maintain a detailed laboratory notebook, learn to write academic laboratory reports, conduct biological assays, and analyse experimental data. These skills will prepare you for undergraduate-level study and build a strong foundation for future scientific research.
This course offers a blend of interactive learning experiences. You will engage in twice-weekly lectures, participate in laboratory sessions, and actively engage in tutorials and workshops focused on molecular and cellular biology.
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals are embedded throughout, particularly focusing on health and biotechnology applications.
Our online platform will provide comprehensive course materials and enable continuous feedback, enhancing your learning journey.
Practical sessions will develop your laboratory skills, while building your competence in working safely and developing digital literacy using specialised software and equipment. You will also gain experience in presenting scientific findings.
The course uses various assessment methods to evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical competencies, including laboratory skills assessment, experimental write-ups, mathematical analysis of biological data, and a final assessment. This provides a well-rounded appraisal of your performance across multiple dimensions of the course content.
To support your academic success, you will have access to specialised assistance from the Scientific Academic Languages and Literacies team, ensuring you are well-equipped to excel in all learning.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 80 |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 26,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 26,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 39,
Summative Assessment Hours 2,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
103 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Learning portfolio 40% [LOs: 1, 2, 3, 4]
Scientific poster 10% [LOs: 1, 2, 4]
Written assessment 50% [LOs: 1, 2, 3]
To pass the course, students must achieve a minimum of 40% overall, meeting all Learning Outcomes.
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| Feedback |
Throughout the course, teaching staff will support you to identify gaps in your understanding of biological concepts and laboratory skills, as well as recognise your strengths. You will be encouraged to engage with feedback through personal reflection and discussion with peers.
You will receive written and/or verbal feedback on your lab reports, and lab book entries. This feedback will help you improve your scientific writing and analytical skills throughout the course.
During in-person laboratory sessions and tutorials, you will receive continuous feedback from instructors to support you in meeting the learning outcomes of the course. This immediate feedback will help you refine your practical skills while deepening your understanding of biological concepts.
A bank of formative online quizzes (with automated feedback) will be available on the course's online platform. Through this platform, you can test your knowledge on topics ranging from biological molecules to biotechnology applications. This self-paced learning tool will help you identify areas for improvement and reinforce key concepts.
You will earn a grade and be given detailed feedback on completion of your laboratory reports and practical competency portfolio from your course teacher. For the written assessment and the scientific poster, you will receive your grade along with individual feedback, highlighting areas of strength and those needing further development.
This comprehensive feedback system ensures that you have multiple opportunities to gauge your progress and continuously improve your performance throughout the course.
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| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive biological processes in organisms.
- Apply biological principles to understand and explain real-world phenomena and their applications.
- Demonstrate practical competency in experimental design and recording, mathematical skills, using laboratory equipment and working safely.
- Produce clear and appropriately structured scientific communication that accurately presents scientific findings.
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Reading List
There is no core textbook. All the learning materials will be provided through the University of Edinburgh¿s online platform.
Recommended Readings:
Clark, D. P. et al. (2019) Molecular biology. Third edition. London: Academic Press is an imprint of Elsevier. [online access via library]
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Mindset
You will be encouraged to develop a critical approach when working with raw experimental data and evaluating scientific sources.
You will cultivate an inquiring mindset towards the molecular and cellular structure, function and processes of biological systems.
You will be encouraged to develop a reflective approach on your knowledge and skills and critically identify ways in which to improve and grow.
You will build confidence in communicating scientific findings and applying biological terminology.
Skills
You will develop proficiency in using analysis tools to process experimental data and create graphs.
You will improve your information literacy by working with real experimental data.
You will be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and a scientific voice.
You will use learning environments which encourage and develop communication skills, in order to engage effectively with others.
You will gain experience in collaborative work through laboratory settings.
You will enhance your writing skills by producing detailed laboratory reports and investigation summaries using word processing software.
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Mrs Jayne Quoiani
Tel:
Email: Jayne.Quoiani@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr James Cooper
Tel: (0131 6)50 4400
Email: jcooper6@ed.ac.uk |
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