LSC-20145 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module explores the life and death cycles that shape human tissues and organs, focusing on how cells sense mechanical signals and translate them into responses essential for tissue regeneration. Through a detailed study of molecular mechanisms, students will gain an in-depth understanding of cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, mechanosensing, and mechanotransduction, and their critical roles in morphogenesis and tissue repair. Key topics will include cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix communication, the regulation of cell movement, and comparisons of migration mechanisms during regeneration. Learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, independent research, and formative activities, providing a comprehensive view of cellular mechanisms that underpin tissue regeneration and regenerative medicine applications.

This module will provide in-depth coverage of the life and death cycle that shapes tissues and organs of the human body underpinning the processes of a cell sensing mechanical signals and translating them into cellular responses.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe in detail the molecular events driving cell proliferation and cell death and discuss how these processes drive morphogenesis and regeneration of human tissues and organs.: 1
distinguish the different molecular mechanisms by which cells mechanosense and mechanotransduce extracellular cues in cellular responses.: 1,2
describe the relationship between ligand and receptor and consider the inside-out and outside-in cellular signalling which are essential in tissue and organ regeneration.: 2
describe the structure and function of the main adhesion complexes in a cell and compare their roles in the cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix communication.: 2
evaluate how cell movements are associated with structural and molecular changes and compare durotaxis versus contact-guidance migration mechanisms during regeneration.: 2

Study hours

Active learning:
In situ lectures (24 hrs)
Formative Class test (4 hrs)
Drop in session (6 hrs)
Class test (4 hrs)
Independent study:
Essay research and preparation (72 hrs)
In Class Test preparation (40 hrs)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment