LSC-20085 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

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.

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: 2
describe the mode of action of receptors and discuss how they can activate major signalling pathways: 1,2
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: 1
locate and retrieve information from scientific literature: 1,2

Study hours

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

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment