BL3303 – Membranes and Cell Communication
BL3303 – Membranes and Cell Communication
This module looks at the various ways in which cells communicate with each other. Cell signalling not only involves the creation and reception of signals but also the mechanisms by which signals are transported across biological membranes. We will therefore consider the central role that biological membranes play in the regulation of the movement of molecules between different extracellular, intracellular and transcellular compartments. Also protein sorting and membrane trafficking will be studied. Using various examples of cell communication, the module will discuss both the molecular and the organismal implications of cell signalling. Topics covered include: (i) Lipids; (ii) Protein targeting and sorting; (iii) Membrane trafficking and transport; (iv) Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog signalling; (v) Plant cell signalling; (vi) Hippo signalling; (vii) Ubiquitylation and SUMOylation.*
Skills acquired in this module:
Module Code:
BL3303
Semester:
2
Credits:
20
Module Organiser:
Pre-requisite modules: BL2305 - Cell Systems, BL2301 - Cell Biology, BL2306 - Biochemistry, and BL2309 - Applied Molecular Biology
MMS
Timetable:
[events_list category="BL3303"]
Assessment:
3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%MMS assessment details
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
School of Biology Marking Criteria:
School handbook
Late submission of continuous assessment work:
All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the late submissions box in the Biology Study Space, St Andrews New Technology Centre Building (beside the Teaching Office)
Exam details:
School handbook
Exam timetable:
Timetable
Expected attendance:
School handbook
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct:
School handbook
University Student Handbook:
University student handbook
School and University Regulations:
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, good academic practice and Academic Alerts.
School handbook
University student handbook
Staff:
Learning Outcomes:
The objective of this module is to provide insights into how cells communicate with each other, emphasising properties of biological membranes, membrane trafficking and cell signalling. Also to facilitate the development of essential scientific skills.
Students completing module BL3303 successfully should be able to:
- Acquire an understanding of the biology of biological membranes, protein sorting and membrane trafficking
- Gain insights into the mechanisms underlying cell signalling and signal transduction
- Find and critically read and evaluate literature
- Produce a summary of a scientific paper and a practical report
- Produce a figure of the results of a practical
- Work in small teams in a lab-based context
- Plan work in order to meet deadlines
- Understand the principles that underlie cell communication
Policies:
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook (https://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/05/Undergraduate-Handbook-2021-22.docx)
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at:http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/