BL4224 – Molecular mechanisms of membrane trafficking

Ashley Pearson
Thursday 19 May 2022

BL4224 – Molecular mechanisms of membrane trafficking


Membrane trafficking mediates the transport of substances between different cellular organelles and the secretion of substances from cells. As such, regulation of membrane trafficking is applicable to all cell types, but especially to specialised secretory cells such as neurons, which secrete neurotransmitters and pancreatic beta-cells which secrete insulin. This module will consider how molecules control the movement of substances through the secretory pathway, but will focus on how cells regulate the release of contents. Within the module you will look at the proteins involved, the different experiments used to study the process and how model organisms are enhancing our understanding.


Skills acquired in this module:
Related Programme(s):

Module Code:
BL4224

Semester:
2

Credits:
15

Module Organiser:
Dr Jens Tilsner

Pre-requisite modules: BL3303 - Membranes and Cell Communication



MMS

Timetable:


[events_list category="BL4224"]

Reading List:


Reading list

Assessment:

2-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

Learning Outcomes:

Students completing module BL4224 successfully should be able to:

  • Described the proteins involved in the trafficking of substances within a cell
  • Discuss the proteins and mechanisms that mediate the fusion of two membranes
  • Discuss how proteins involved in membrane trafficking regulate physiology and disease
  • Present introductory material and experimental details on a specific topic in a range of formats (oral, visual, written).
  • Critically review and discuss scientific literature

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/