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 Dynamic Cell: Membrane Traffic in Health and Disease
Code LIFE307
Coordinator Prof MJ Clague
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Clague@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):
LIFE202; LIFE106; 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 21

   4

       25
Timetable (if known) This refers to timetabled lectures
  		  This refers to timetabled tutorials
  		       
Private Study 125
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  3 hours  1  80  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  3500 words  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 extended piece of writing.  

Aims

  • To provide students with current knowledge of mechanisms governing compartmental organization and significance of the secretory and endocytic pathways in cells and their relevance to medical conditions

  • To develop in students the skills required to understand and critique the experimental underpinnings of current knowledge in membrane traffic

    		•

    Learning Outcomes

    To discuss current knowledge of the pathways by which cells package molecules destined for secretion from the cell such as hormones and neurotransmitters and how these molecules are released

    To critically analyse different methodological approaches that have led to our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying membrane vesicle traffic in cells
    To access, collate and critically discuss (in writing) the modern cell biology literature
    To interpret experimental data in cell biology

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    This refers to timetabled lectures

    Tutorial -

    This refers to timetabled tutorials

    Syllabus
    1 

    The syllabus explores how cells retain distinct compartmental identity in the face of large fluxes of material.

     

    Topic 1. Genetic model systems combined with biochemistry leading to the molecular description of vesicle transport mechanisms

     

    Topic 2. Synthesis, cargo selection, processing and transport of proteins through the secretory pathway (Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, TGN, secretory vesicles, molecular motors).

     

    Topic 3. Exocytosis and endocytosis: regulation and sorting mechanisms, secretory granules, synaptic vesicles, endosomes, lysosomes. 

     

    Topic 4. Cell physiology and pathophysiology associated with membrane trafficking events: transcription, autophagy, antigen presentation, viral infection and disease. 

    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: