Module BIOL2501: CELL SIGNALLING

Department: Biosciences

BIOL2501: CELL SIGNALLING

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To study the different mechanisms by which cells respond to external stimuli.
• To study the steps of signal transduction mechanisms, from arrival of signal at the cell membrane to changes in gene expression, in detail.
• To study comparative aspects of signalling processes in organisms from different kingdoms.

Content

• Abiotic signals and their perception.
• Biotic signals and their perception.
• Signal transduction pathways.
• Protein phosphorylation.
• Calcium signalling.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of receptor systems for abiotic stress signals in plants and animals.
• Knowledge of hormones in plants and animals, and the mechanisms of biotic signalling from a comparative viewpoint.
• Knowledge of the pathways which link signal perception to gene expression.
• Knowledge of how responses to biotic and abiotic signals are modulated by the nature of the perceiving cell, and how cells communicate with each other.
• Knowledge of cell signalling can have practical benefits for medicine, food security, and treatment of disease.

• Ability to use of molecular biology and cell biology techniques to study the mechanisms of signal perception and transduction.
• Ability to use data-handling skills to address problems in cell signalling

• Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculations involved in data handling problems.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in evolution practical reports.
• Team work, working in small groups in evolution practical classes.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Practical classes allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Practical reports are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in carrying out experimental work and data analysis, as well as key skills.
• Problem Exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy.
• Unseen examinations demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge with an emphasis on understanding and communication (essay and problem-based questions) or recall of factual knowledge (multiple choice or short answer question tests).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Regular formative assessments including data analysis, interpretation and problem solving throughout the module; 4 assessments over 2 terms.