Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title The Multicellular Organism: tissues, development, regeneration and aging
Code LIFE205
Coordinator Prof A Morgan
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Amorgan@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE114 None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 27

         4

2

 33
Timetable (if known) This refers to timetabled lectures
  		        These refer to interactive problem-based review sessions
This refers to scheduled times for summative assessments
  		 
Private Study 117
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Exam  2 hours  Semester 1  80  Yes  Non-standard penalty applies  Assessment 1 Non-standard penalty applies for late submission,  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1 hour  Semester 1  5  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 
Coursework  1000 words  Semester 1  15  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 3 Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 205 will be objective assessments and extended written exercises. Assessment 205.1 will be image-based objective assessments. Assessment 205.2 will be extended written exercises.  

Aims
  • This module aims to:
     
    Extend students'' knowledge of the structure and function of fundamental tissues, such as epithelial and connective tissue and of specialised tissues
  • Develop students'' ability to discuss the mechanisms by which cells differentiate to form different tissues;
  • Equip students to explain the processes that occur during aging with special reference to changes in the skeleton, vasculature and brain;
  • Develop knowledge and understanding in human biology, and ability to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems in that subject.
    		•

    Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:
     
    Classify and compare the major types of epithelia and, explain the role of cell-cell interactions in tissue structure and the structure and function of fundamental tissues
    Discuss and compare the molecular mechanisms involved in development of selected organs, and their cellular structure and organisation and explain the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the regeneration of key organs.
    Explain and discuss mechanisms of aging using selected systems as exemplars.
    Describe the experimental basis underpinning the current understanding of tissue biology.


    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    This refers to timetabled lectures

    Workshop -

    These refer to interactive problem-based review sessions

    Assessment -

    This refers to scheduled times for summative assessments

    Syllabus
    1 
    Cell interactions: including intercellular signaling, cell adhesion molecules, cell-matrix, links to cell fate.
     
    Epithelia: fundamental characteristics –polari ty, cell junctions, specializations, key exemplars of epithelia.
     
    Connective tissue: Cells and composition of extracellular matrix.

    Nervous system, neurogenesis, neuronal survival and making circuits, glia cell differentiation and function, injury and regeneration of peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system
     
    Vasculature: Development of the vasculature and angiogenesis 
     
    Kidney: Mechanisms of development and regeneration
     
    Gastrointestinal tract: Development of the gut and congenital defects
     
    Muscle: Development, structure and function of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle cells. Innervation of muscle, molecular regulation of contraction, regeneration, specialisation of function of muscle fibres, plasticity and training. M uscular dystrophy.

    Skeleton: Structure and function of the skeleton. Composition of matrix. Chondrocytes and chondroblasts. Development, growth and degeneration of cartilage. Osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes. Endochondral and intramembranous ossification. Bone modelling and remodelling.
     
    Ageing: Descriptions and definitions of ageing, Why do organisms age? Theories of ageing, manipulation of ageing, retardation of ageing by environmental factors.

    The ageing skeleton: Arthritis, osteoarthritis, bone loss and osteoporosis.

    The ageing vasculature:  arteriosclerosis and ventricular hypertrophy

    The ageing mind: Neurodegeneration, glutamate toxicity (Alzheimer’s  Huntington’s, Parkinson’s)

    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: