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 Principles of Molecular Physiology Research
Code LIFE309
Coordinator Prof JM Coulson
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
J.Coulson@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 20

   4

       24
Timetable (if known) This refers to timetabled lectures
  		  This refers to timetabled tutorials
  		       
Private Study 126
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-class assessment by Extended Matching Sets Questions. 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

Aims

  1. To introduce current techniques and models used to study molecular and cellular physiology

  2. To review the latest research developments in molecular and cellular physiology and in human diseases, including cancer, obesity and cystic fibrosis

  3. To develop in students deep understanding of cellular regulatory physiology mechanisms in order to enhance their ability to discuss the relevant research literature 

Learning Outcomes

To critically evaluate current applications and techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, and imaging to address research problems in physiology

To discuss the application of these techniques to complex physiological/pathophysiological systems in model organisms and humans, in both health and human disease

To critically review evidence in frontier research in the areas of cell signalling and respiratory, renal, endocrine, exocrine or neuromuscular function and cancer biology

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

This refers to timetabled lectures

Tutorial -

This refers to timetabled tutorials

Syllabus
1 

The syllabus explores fundamental principles of cellular and molecular physiology, key techniques, and their application in research into human disease.

Topic 1. The central dogma of molecular biology: multi-level regulation of gene/protein expression by transcription factors, chromatin, non-coding RNAs and protein turnover. Methods to engineer and measure gene expression in cells, tissues and organisms.
Topic 2. Protein biology: structure, function and systems analysis. Protein folding: mechanisms, prediction and disorders. Exploring the proteome using quantitative mass spectrometry and interaction mapping, applications in cell biology and human disease.
Topic 3. Imaging physiological processes: from cells to organisms.  Visualising and measuring protein distribution, interactions and dynamics in live cells. High resolution in vivo imaging in physiology research.
Topic 4. Model organisms in physiology research: from yeast to mice.  The pros and cons of yeast, flies, worms and mice.  Using model organisms to study protein function and interaction networks, stem cells, neurobiology and physiological processes.
Topic 5: Research into human diseases.  Cystic fibrosis: abnormal airway smooth muscle function and the search for improved therapies. Cancer biology and targeted therapies: oncogenes/tumour suppressors, tumour microenvironment, cell proliferation, cell cycle.

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: