LSC-20085 - Module Specification School of Life Sciences Faculty of Natural Sciences
For academic year: 2020/21 Last Updated: 25 February 2021
LSC-20085 - Cell Signalling
Coordinator: Mirna M Maarabouni Room: Third Floor Roo Tel: +44 1782 7 33679
School Office: 01782 734414
Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Co-requisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
None
Description for 2020/21
Cell to cell communication is fundamental for multi-cellular organisms as cells are required to communicate with their environment and among themselves in order to respond to particular stimuli. Such response is then integrated at the system level for the proper functioning of the organism. Not surprisingly, dysregulation of cellular communication causes many diseases including cancer. Cell to cell communication involves many signalling pathways. These signalling pathways regulate multiple cellular processes by acting through sensors to stimulate molecules that are responsible for controlling different important cellular processes. This module explores these signalling pathways and provides details on their molecular components and their mode of action. The module also places an emphasis on independent study and further develops skills in the in the acquisition, analysis and written communication of scientific information.
The aims of this module are to give students a thorough background in the signalling mechanisms by which mammalian cells are regulated. The module provides a detailed description of the main modes of cell-cell communication, the major classes of signalling molecules and the receptor types upon which they act. It then focuses on the molecular details of these receptors and their associated signal transduction pathways.
Intended Learning Outcomes
explain the main modes of cell-cell communication, the major classes of signalling molecules and the receptor types upon which they act: 1describe the mode of action of receptors and discuss how they can activate major signalling pathways: 1evaluate the involvement of cell signalling pathways in disease processes and how these pathways are targeted for therapeutic intervention in a named disease: 1,2analyse and critically evaluate the context and results of primary scientific literature related to cell signalling: 2locate and retrieve information from scientific literature: 1,2
Study hours
20 hours lectures2 hours examination35 hours literature review preparation93 hours private study
School Rules
None
Description of Module Assessment