The Basis of Life: Understanding Human Cells
Discover the building blocks of life and investigate the structures and functions of plant, human, and animal cells.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
2 hours
The Basis of Life: Understanding Human Cells
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Explore the cell anatomy of all living organisms
Cytology, or cellular biology, is the study of cells and gives us a fascinating insight into the basis of life itself.
On this two-week course, you’ll delve into the cellular structures of plants, animals, and humans, learning about the processes all living organisms must do to survive. You’ll gain an overview of cell anatomy and function, equipping you for further study in the health sciences.
Examine multicellular and unicellular organisms
You’ll be introduced to key terminology including prokaryotes and eukaryotes, identifying their features with examples.
You’ll also differentiate between plant and animal cells, exploring how growth in animals and plants occurs through different processes at a cellular level.
Discover the function of cell organelles and their impact on life processes
Organelles are specialised parts of a cell that perform unique jobs. You’ll learn about different organelle functions and how they help cells operate within the organism.
Building on your knowledge of multicellular organisms, you’ll investigate their hierarchical structures. You’ll identify the functions of different cells on a micro-level, and more broadly within tissues, organs, organ systems, and the body as a whole.
Learn about cell survival and cell transport processes
Cells need nutrients to survive, as well as being able to remove waste.
Using videos and quizzes, you’ll discover active and passive transport processes, including diffusion, osmosis, and exocytosis, learning how nutrients and waste are transferred across the cell membrane.
You’ll finish this course able to identify the types of cells found in living organisms and their key functions and processes. Using this knowledge, you’ll be able to kickstart your studies in health sciences and further your knowledge in cytology.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introducing cells
Welcome to Week 1
Welcome to Week 1. This week's topics are what cells are, types of cells and where they fit into living organisms. Let's go!
Introduction to all things living
Cells are the building blocks of living things, but what defines a living organism? We look at functions living organisms must carry out to survive, different types of organisms and how they are structured.
Types of cells
What's the difference between plant and animal cells? Investigate plant and animals cells in this activity.
Recap this week's learning
Recap with a review of this week's learning and take a quiz. Let's go!
Week 2
Cell processes
Welcome to Week 2
Welcome to Week 2. This week's topics are parts of cells and what goes on inside cells. Let's go!
Cell structure and function
Dive into a cell and find out what organelles are and what they do.
Cell processes
Cells need to move materials across the cell membrane to survive. Look at how they transport materials in this activity.
Recap this week's learning
Review this week's material and the course overall, and share your top two new learnings.
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Identify types of organisms and cells
- Describe the relationship between cells, tissues, organs, organ systems and the organism
- Explain the structure and function of cell organelles
- Describe cell functions and processes
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for those planning to study the health sciences, as well as those already studying who wish to further their knowledge of cells, structures, and processes.
Who will you learn with?
Kia ora
I am Andrea Shaw and I'm passionate about Biology. I teach Anatomy and Physiology with a focus on revision techniques at Whitireia and WelTec in New Zealand. I look forward to working with you.
Who developed the course?
Whitireia New Zealand
Established in 1986, Whitireia is a wholly-owned Crown entity subsidiary company of Te Pūkenga, known for its high student success rates and culturally diverse student body.
What's included?
This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.
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- Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
- Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
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