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 Cell Signalling in Health and Disease
Code LIFE305
Coordinator Prof IA Prior
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Iprior@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE106; LIFE202; LIFE204; LIFE229; LIFE232 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 22

   4

       26
Timetable (if known) This refers to timetabled lectures
  		  This refers to timetabled tutorials
  		       
Private Study 124
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  3 hrs  Semester 1  80  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
Unseen Written Exam  1 hr  Semester 1  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 will be a written examination. Assessment 2 will be an in course set of short answer questions. 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

Aims

  • To describe advanced concepts that are fundamental to modern ideas in biophysics and cell signalling from a systems physiology perspective covering both physiology and disease

  • To develop in students the ability to access, collate, critically evaluate and discuss (in writing) the modern literature in cell signalling

  • To enable students to acquire the skills required for interpretation of cell signalling experimental data and to integrate this knowledge in a physiological context

    		•

    Learning Outcomes

    To explain current understanding of how cells receive information and transmit this along distinct pathways to generate different physiological responses

    To critically discuss how post-translational modifications mediate information transfer, how the major kinase and second messenger pathways are stimulated and how they function in normal cells

    To appraise the pathophysiological consequences of dysregulated cell signalling

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    This refers to timetabled lectures

    Tutorial -

    This refers to timetabled tutorials

    Syllabus
    1 

    The syllabus explores concepts fundamental to modern ideas in cell signalling.  It will consider the major signalling pathways, and discuss specific examples of human diseases or physiological processes that utilise these generic pathways.

     
    Topic 1. Fundamental principles of cell signalling: wiring pathways, spatial organisation and post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitylation).
     
    Topic 2. Cell surface receptors: tyrosine kinases, G-protein coupled receptors and ligand gated channels.
     
    Topic 3. Major signalling pathways and transduction mechanisms: Ras-Raf-MAPK, PtdIns 3-Kinase, Ins(1, 4, 5)P3-DAG-PKC, cAMP, calcium signalling, redox signalling.
     
    Topic 4.  Cell signalling that regulates normal physiological processes and disease processes: bioenergetics, nutrient sensing, transcription, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration, immunity, development, olfaction, taste and vision.

    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: