BIOC40030 Advanced Cell Signalling

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module will be an advanced course on mechanisms of intracellular signalling in higher eukaryotic systems and is core for stage 4 of the B.Sc degree in Biochemistry and optional for Pharmacology, Genetics and Neuroscience students.
The course will focus on the detailed description of a number of signalling modes and mechanisms including RAF/ERK Signalling in Cancer, mTOR Signalling and autophagy, the role of WNT Signalling and Inflammation, TGF Beta Signalling and the role of signalling adaptations in breast and prostate cancer. Particular attention is paid to evaluating the structure/function relationship of the key signalling components and to the integration of the various signalling cascades. In addition, the course will focus on key technologies involved in current research including systems biology approaches, and state-of-the-art proteomics and metabolomics technologies. In addition, students will work on a self-selected literature review exploring specific signalling pathways relevant to a variety of biological processes and/or diseases.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
• Discuss the key modes of intracellular signalling in higher eukaryotes.
• Explain the diversity of signalling modalities within complex signalling cascades.
• Critically evaluate key molecular approaches to investigate mechanisms of intracellular signalling in higher eukaryotes.
• Develop competencies in self-directed learning and writing skills.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Specified Learning Activities

40

Autonomous Student Learning

50

Total

102

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The main modes of Indicative learning on this course will be
Lectures;
Reflective learning;
Detailed course notes;
Suggested reading lists;
Q&A type tutorial
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Written, individual assignment: Scientific mini-review article on an assigned signalling pathway or components. Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50

Examination: Written exam, duration 2 hr. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

In the event that a student as a query, he/she contact the MC who in turn will provide a written comment or meet the student in person at an agreed date and time.

Name Role
Assoc Professor John Crean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Mario Manresa Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Maria Prencipe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Helen Reid Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
     
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Mon 09:00 - 09:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Wed 09:00 - 09:50
Spring