Unit information: Cellular Information in 2020/21

Unit name	Cellular Information
Unit code	BIOC30602
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Mike Jones
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	MOLG22100 and BIOC20001
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Biochemistry
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

Students study advanced topics in cellular information networks and genomic information. These lectures are split into two elements. The first element, Genomic Information, covers molecular biology and genomics. The second element, Information Networks, looks at how cells process information from a range of sources.

The unit aims to develop an understanding of key concepts in cellular information systems including:

Genomic Information

• Advanced material on DNA structure and function
• DNA repair mechanisms to maintain information integrity
• Transcriptional processing of genomic information
• Functional genomics

Information Networks

• Conveying information through the covalent modification of proteins
• Cellular signalling networks
• Metabolic networks
• The failure of signalling processes in obesity and diabetes

Intended Learning Outcomes

• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the advanced cellular information topics covered in the unit and an ability to keep abreast with recent developments in the field.
• The ability to gather information from the primary scientific literature and to critically evaluate the material and appraise competing theories.
• An understanding of the importance of the cellular information to cell function and homeostasis.

Teaching Information

Asynchronous lectures and synchronous discussion sessions.

Assessment Information

Assessment for learning (formative)

Students will undertake a mock assessment exercise.

Assessment of learning (summative)

The unit will be assessed as follows:

• 100% a timed assessment in May/June.

Reading and References

Reviews and primary articles from the current scientific literature.