LSC-20085 - Cell Signalling
Coordinator: Mirna Maarabouni Room: Third Floor Roo Tel: +44 1782 7 33679
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

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 acquisition, analysis and written communication of scientific information.

Aims
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.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-20085/lists

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: 1
describe the mode of action of receptors and discuss how they can activate major signalling pathways: 1
evaluate the involvement of cell signalling pathways in disease processes and how these pathways are targeted for therapeutic intervention in a named disease: 1,2
analyse and critically evaluate the context and results of primary scientific literature related to cell signalling: 2
locate and retrieve information from scientific literature: 2

Study hours

Active learning:
12 hours of tutorials/discussion activities supporting asynchronous content
1 hour of tutorial related to the literature review assessment
14 x 4 hours engagement with asynchronous content
Independent study:
2 hours completion of online test
40 hours completion of literature review
39 hours independent study; test preparation/revision and engaging with directed reading

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Online Tasks weighted 50%
Class test (2 hour active working time in a 4 hour assessment window)
Online class test to be held during the semester, comprising a mix of MCQs and SAQs designed to test core knowledge and application of module learning topics.

2: Literature Review weighted 50%
1500 word Literature review
1500 word Literature review based on the involvement of cell signalling pathways in disease processes and how these pathways are targeted for therapeutic interventions. Titles will be related to core topics covered in the module and released in week 11/12 of the semester to be submitted in the exam period, with students required to sign-up for specific titles from a list of options.