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 ADVANCED TOPICS IN CELL SIGNALING
Code LIFE713
Coordinator Dr HL Wright
Biochemistry
Hlwright@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
Entry into the MRes (ASCR, PGSC) or MSc (ASCT) programmes  

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 24

   4

     2

 30
Timetable (if known) This refers to scheduled lectures
  		  This refers to scheduled tutorials
  		       
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Exam  2 hours  2  50  As University Policy  N/A  Assessment 3 Notes (applying to all assessments) Critical evaluation of scientific literature Assessment 2: will be a critique (1000 words) of the scientific literature. Evaluative report Assessment 3: will be a report (1500 words) on the problems and challenges of programmes for drug discovery using inhibitors of specific signalling pathways. Written Examination Assessment 1: Written examination will be Essays and problem-solving questions.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework    2  20  1 further opportunity  As University Policy  Assessment 1 
Coursework    2  30  1 further opportunity  As University Policy  Assessment 2 

Aims

This module aims to:

1. llustrate the importance of cellular responses to external signals and how signalling information is transferred within cells;

2. Define, in detail, the range of different strategies used by cells for dealing with signalling information and the processing of signalling information;

3. Develop knowledge and deep understanding in biochemistry and biomedicine, and ability to apply, critically evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve complex problems in cell signalling.


Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the range of different mechanisms utilised for the transfer of signalling information within eukaryotic cells;

2. Critically discuss the concepts and features underlying different signalling mechanisms;

3. Evaluate the contributions made by specific signalling mechanisms in different cellular and physiological responses;

4. They will also acquire the ability to apply, critically evaluate and interpret this knowledge to define and solve complex problems in biochemistry and molecular biology and will be able to review evidence to support their conclusions.

Students will also develop independent learning and self-evaluation skills


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

This refers to scheduled lectures

Tutorial -

This refers to scheduled tutorials

Other -


Syllabus
1  1

Overview of cell signalling processes

Cell surface receptors Binding at receptors

Cell surface receptors Classification of surface receptors

Consequences of receptor occupation

Receptor tyrosine kinases

Signal transduction and secondary messengers Cyclic nucleotides

Guanine-nucleotide binding proteins

Inositol phospholipid turnover

Calcium mobilization

Calcium and gene transcription The role of calcium in intracellular signalling: what are the targets?

Control of gene transcription by calcium

Consequences of calcium-dependent gene transcription on cell fate

Protein phosphorylation The kinome

Protein kinases

Protein phosphatases

GSK-3

MAP kinases

Protein kinase B

Receptor bound protein serine/threonine kinases

Scaffold proteins

Review of the role of protein kinases and protein phosphatases

Tutorials:

1.    Critical evaluation of the scientific literature: Intracellular receptors I

2.    Critical evaluation of the scientific literature: Intracellular receptors II

3.    Drug discovery programmes targeting intracellular signalling pathways I

4. Drug discovery programmes targeting intracellular signalling pathways II


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: