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Title
Code
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites
Type of module
Aims
Learning
outcomes/objectives
Content
Molecular Cell Biology 2
BY237
5
10
BY236
Extensive; semester 2
To provide a theoretical understanding of the molecular
processes which control protein synthesis and trafficking,
membrane transport and cell signalling. Also to give an
understanding of the structure and functions of the cytoskeleton
and the extracellular matrix. A practical introduction to selected
methodologies used to investigate cell signalling and animal cell
culture will be provided.
At the end of the module the student should be able to:
(1) give an account of the molecular events which underlie the
translation; post-translational modifications; quality control and
transport of proteins within the cell
(2) explain the molecular events which underlie membrane
transport of small molecules by passive and facilitated diffusion,
ion channels and active transport
(3) discuss the interactions between cell signalling molecules and
their receptors, and the principal pathways of intracellular signal
transduction
(4) summarise the structure and fuctions of the cytoskeleton
(5) explain the structure and functions of the ECM and its role in
cell-cell communications.
(6) analyze experimental data to demonstrate an understanding
of cell signalling processes
(7) be able to perform basic manipulations associated with animal
cell culture.
The following topics will be considered:
 Protein synthesis in terms of mechanisms of translation; post
translational modification and protein trafficking. Vesicle
absorption and secretion.
 Types of hormone receptor; mechanism of action of steroid
hormones and cell surface receptors; principal second
messenger systems
 Normal membrane transport processes in both epithelia and
in single membranes.
 The proteins of, and the assembly and structure of the
cytoskeleton, its importance in cell shape and movement, and
methods of study.
 The structure of the extracellular matrix and its role in cell-cell
interactions and wound repair.
 The basic techniques used in animal cell culture, sterile
techniques, passaging, growth conditions; culture media.
Teaching and learning
strategies
It is envisaged that the 100 hours study time allocated to this
module consists of approximately:
 24 hours lecture contact
 6 hours practical class contact
 70 hours personal study
The personal study time should be divided between the directed
and independent reading and revision for assessments
Learning support
Current editions:
Cooper GM and Hausman RE, The Cell: a molecular approach,
ASM Press
Hancock JT, Cell Signalling, Harlow Longman
Assessment tasks
Exam (50%) LO 1, LO 2, LO 3 LO 4 LO 5; Coursework (50%)
practical reports, (LO 6,7)
Brief description of module This module develops an understanding of the molecular events
content and/or aims
and processes underpinning cell protein synthesis and
(maximum 80 words)
expression, the structure and function of the cytoskeleton and the
extracellular matrix; cell signalling and ion and water transport.
Area examination board to Biology
which module relates
Module team/authors/
Liz James (module leader), Mike Lethem, Katrin Jennert-Burston
coordinator
Semester offered, where
2
appropriate
Date of first approval
2002
Date of last revision
2005
Date of approval of this
2007
version
Version number
3
Replacement for previous N/A
module
Field for which module is
Biology; optional
acceptable and status in
that field
Course(s) for which
Biomedical Sciences; compulsory
module is acceptable and Biological Sciences; optional
status in course
School home
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
External examiner
Dr P Nicholls