Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
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 in the acquisition, analysis and written communication of scientific information.
Aims
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.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-20085/lists
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: 1describe the mode of action of receptors and discuss how they can activate major signalling pathways: 1evaluate the involvement of cell signalling pathways in disease processes and how these pathways are targeted for therapeutic intervention in a named disease: 1,2analyse and critically evaluate the context and results of primary scientific literature related to cell signalling: 2locate and retrieve information from scientific literature: 1,2
20 hours lectures2 hours examination35 hours literature review preparation93 hours private study
Description of Module Assessment
1: Open Book Examination weighted 65%Online Open Book ExamThe paper will be released on KLE as word document at 9am on the morning of the exam.
The paper will contain a choice of two out of four essay type questions.
Students should answer each question using Word, clearly labelling each question as they provide their answers. Work will be submitted to Turnitin no later than 5pm on the day of release. International students will be asked to notify the School if they need an extension due to different time zones.
Although students have been given significant time to complete this exam script, we expect most students to spend no more than 2 hours. Answers should be as accurate and concise as possible.
For essay-based questions, typical answers would be in the range of 500-750 words per question. We recommend that students do not exceed 750 words per essay-based question as we will be assessing the quality of your answer, not the quantity.
2: Literature Review weighted 35%2000 word literature review2000 word literature review based on the involvement of cell signalling pathways in disease processes and how these pathways are targeted for therapeutic interventions.