Module Details

Module Code: BIOL8019
Title: Cell signaling
Long Title: Cell signaling UCC module BC3004
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2009/10 ( September 2009 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: To overview cell signalling pathways.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the major mechanisms of cell/cell signaling in humans, including the hierarchical nature of the neuroendocrine system.
LO2 Describe the mechanism of action of the major functional groups of signaling molecules – including polypeptides (growth hormones, insulin, glucagon), steroids, thyroxine, retinoic acid, amino acid derived signaling molecules, classical neurotransmitters & eicosanoids.
LO3 Outline the major receptor types, their localization and function in response to the signaling molecules indicated in point 2.
LO4 Discuss the molecular events which occur within the cell in response to the major groups of signaling molecules and the overall physiological outcomes.
LO5 Discuss signal transduction events occurring in sensory perception, such as in vision, smell & taste.
LO6 Describe the structure and function of GAP junctions.
LO7 Outline the relationship between growth signal transduction and cancer.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
BC2001, BC2002
 
Indicative Content
Hormone/Neurotransmitter classification.
Steroids and tyroxine. Polypeptides: growth hormones, insulin, glucagon. Amino acid-derived, classical neurotransmitters. Eicosanoids.
Cell/Cell signaling
Diversity of receptor types. Classification and biochemistry of cell surface receptors. Hierarchical nature of hormonal control. Signalling in response to steroids/thyroxine, intracellular receptor/ transcriptional regulation. Signalling via G-proteins and tyrosine kinases.
Second Messengers:
cAMP, IP3/DAG: synthesis, generation in cell. Protein Kinase C. Heterotrimeric G-protein role in signal transduction/sensory perception in various cell types. Signalling via ligand gated ion channels. Small GTPases. Signal transduction and oncogenesis.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 0
Timing Week 1 Learning Outcomes  
Assessment Description
n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact For 6 weeks Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact For 3 weeks Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact For 6 weeks Every Week 1.00 1
Total Hours 5.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 5.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Lodish, Baltimore, Berk, Zipursky, Matsudaira & Darnell. Molecular Cell Biology, 6th. Freeman.
  • Reed, Holmes, Weyers & Jones. Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences, Longman, [ISBN: 0-582-29826-1].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SBISC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science 5 Mandatory