Unit information: Molecular Cell Biology in 2020/21

Unit name	Molecular Cell Biology
Unit code	BIOC20001
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Cory
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	BIOC10003 & BIOC10004
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Biochemistry
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

The unit will develop material introduced in the Level C/4 Biochemistry units.

It covers how the cell is organised at a molecular level, the intracellular signalling pathways used by cells in response to stimulation, cell communication, properties of the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton and how these molecular processes are integrated into cell behaviours such as cell migration and cell cycle progression.

The teaching in the unit is normally delivered through lectures and is supported by practical sessions and data handling workshops.

The unit aims to develop an understanding the following areas:

Element 1. Cellular Organisation

• Organisation of eukaryotic cells
• Glycosylation
• The secretory and endocytic pathways
• Intracellular protein degradation

Element 2. Cellular Signalling

• GPCR signalling
• Receptor tyrosine kinases
• Phospholipids and calcium
• Serine/threonine kinases
• Kinase cascades

Element 3. Cellular Behaviours

• Communicating and adhesive interactions between cells
• The extracellular matrix
• The actin cytoskeleton
• Cell migration
• Cell cycle regulation

The units aims to develop the following skills:

• Understanding of relevant experimental techniques. and how they can be applied to address specific research questions.
• Data analysis and problem-solving skills.

The ability to research and present a defined area of Biochemistry in written form.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to demonstrate the following:

1. Knowledge and understanding of cellular organisation and the trafficking pathways in cells.
2. Knowledge and understanding of intracellular protein degradation.
3. Knowledge and understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved intracellular signalling in response to stimulation.
4. Knowledge and understanding of the extracellular matrix, cell-cell adhesions and the cytoskeleton and how these are involved in cell shape and the regulation of cell movement.
5. Knowledge and understanding cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and autophagy.
6. Knowledge and understanding of relevant biochemical techniques.
7. The ability to research a specific biochemical topic using textbooks and the scientific literature and to present findings in a written format

Teaching Information

The teaching in the unit is normally delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, workshops and practicals.

Assessment Information

Coursework: 40%

Timed assessment: 60%

Reading and References

Core reading:

• Alberts et al, Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland Science
• Voet & Voet, Biochemistry, Wiley
• Berg et al, Biochemistry, Freeman

Additional/supplementary reading:

• Weinberg, Biology of Cancer, 2014
• Lim et al, Cell signalling: principles and mechanism, 2015