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SL22014: Dynamic cell

[Page last updated: 03 June 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: EXOB 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Open-book written examination 1 (EXOB 30%)
  • Open-book written examination 2 (EXOB 70%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take SL12002
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit, you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate your understanding of signal transduction pathways at the molecular level and how these regulate cellular processes.
  • Discuss specific signalling pathways and their integration with other pathways as well as their positive and negative regulation.
  • Explain the importance of cell signalling for different cellular processes, including signal transduction during development and the implications for disease when signalling is abnormal.
  • Explain the dynamic behaviour of the cytoskeleton and intracellular trafficking pathways including mechanisms of regulation.
  • Interpret experimental data related to cell signalling and have developed an understanding of techniques to study cell biology.



Synopsis: You willdevelop an appreciation of how cells can sense their environment and respond appropriately.Reception of signals,second messengers, activation, inhibition and feedback mechanisms controlling numerous signalling pathways will becovered.You will explore the integration/crosstalk between pathways.You will learn about multiple processesthatcan be regulated in response to cell signalling,such ascell division, cytoskeletal rearrangement, celladhesion and celldeath.

Content: The general principles and underlying mechanisms involved in signal transduction will be discussed (i.e. membrane receptors, nuclear receptors, transport proteins, protein complexes, effector proteins). Molecular mechanisms of signal transduction pathways and cellular processes and how these then impact on cell cycle, cell proliferation, motility, cell health, sensing and responding to intracellular and extracellular cues. Examples of major classes of receptors and their signalling outputs will be covered. The concept of signalling feedback and integration of signalling networks will be covered using specific examples from developmental biology and disease processes How signalling pathways impact on cell behaviour will be a focus, such as cell cycle regulation, cell survival, change of cell shape (cytoskeletal rearrangements), cell interactions (with other cells and with extracellular matrix) and protein trafficking.

Course availability:

SL22014 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences
  • USSL-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFM10 : MBiochem(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM10 : MBiochem(Hons) Biochemistry with professional placement (Year 2)

SL22014 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences
  • USSL-AFB11 : BSc(Hons) Biology (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB11 : BSc(Hons) Biology with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFB12 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB12 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFM11 : MBiol(Hons) Biology (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM11 : MBiol(Hons) Biology with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFM12 : MBiomed(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM12 : MBiomed(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with professional placement (Year 2)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.