Study the inner life of cells! Cells are the fundamental building blocks of both animal and plant structures. Knowledge of cellular structure, function and reproduction is essential for anyone with an interest in the health sciences. This cell biology course complements studies in human health and fitness, horticulture, agriculture and wildlife gain in-depth knowledge of chemical composition and processes; tissues, nucleus, organelles, cell signalling, tissues and more.
Course Aims:
- Review basic cell structure and discuss the scope and nature of cell biology.
- Describe the chemical components and processes of cells.
- Describe the storage of genetic information within cells and how this information is passed on to the next generation.
- Describe key concepts in molecular biology.
- Discuss membrane structure and transport across cell membranes.
- Discuss protein structure and function.
- Describe and discuss protein synthesis.
- Describe the significant processes involved in transfer and storage of energy in a cell.
- Describe the significant processes that occur in cell communication and intracellular transport.
- Describe the life cycle of cells and how they combine to create different types of tissues.
There are 10 Lessons in this course:
- Introduction to Cells and Their Structure
- What is a cell, history of cell biology; prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; cell shape and size; cell structure; the nucleus; the nucleolus; euchromatin and heterochromatin; the animal cell; the plant cell; human cells.
- Cell Chemistry
- Cell chemical composition; carbohydrates; lipids; nucleic acids; proteins; enzymes; cell membranes; golgi apparatus.
- DNA, Chromosomes and Genes
- What is DNA, Chromosomes, Genes; DNA replication; telomeres and telomerase; genetics; case study in genetic inheritance; phenotype and genotype; gene mutations.
- Cell Division: Meiosis and Mitosis
- Mitosis and meiosis overview; mitosis; meiosis.
- Cell Membranes
- Membranes; structure of cell membranes; movement of molecules through cell membranes; endocytosis; osmosis and filtration; hydrostatic pressure; active transport; electro-chemical gradient; nutrient and waste exchange in animal cells; mediated and non-mediated transport.
- Protein Structure and Function
- Protein structure; fibrous proteins; globular proteins; protein organisation; primary to quaternary structure; protein function.
- Protein Synthesis
- Overview; the function of ribonucleic acid in protein synthesis; transcription and translation; initiation; elongation; termination.
- Food, Energy, Catalysis and Biosynthesis
- Sources of energy; metabolism within the cell; catabolic metabolism; anabolic metabolism; ATP movement; Kreb’s cycle; production and storage of energy; energy production pathways from different foods; biosynthesis of cell molecules; mitochondria; chloroplasts.
- Intracellular Compartments, Transport and Cell Communication
- Cell communication; endocrine signalling; paracrine signalling; autocrine signalling; cytoskeleton; actin filaments; intermediate filaments; microtubules.
- The Cell Cycle and Tissue Formation
- The cell cycle; phases of the cell cycle; cell cycle regulation; cell death; cells to bodies; stem cells; animal tissues including muscle, connective, epithelial, nerve; blood.
When you have completed the lessons of your Certificate course, you will be given the option of taking the optional exam. It’s okay if you don’t want the exam, we still issue your Careerline Certificate. For Advanced Certificates however, the exam is compulsory (per module) and are included in the course fee.