BC3503: THE MOLECULAR CONTROL OF CELL FUNCTION (2017-2018)

• How enzymes function using selected examples; to include the role played by metal ions and co-enzymes, enzyme kinetics, inhibition of enzyme activity
• The actions of selected enzymes; to include chymotrypsin, aspartate- and metallo- proteases, impact on medicine
• How enzymes are regulated; to include allosteric regulation, covalent modification, isozymes, precursor processing
• The background rational and experimental evidence for the traditional concept of a rate-limiting enzyme in the regulation of flux through metabolic pathways
• The concept of metabolic control analysis to explain how flux through metabolic pathways is regulated; to include the flux control coefficient of each enzyme in a pathway
• The concepts of chemiosmosis and intracellular homeostasis
• The structural and functional features of selected membrane transport proteins
• The mechanisms that regulate body mass and the resultant metabolic diseases that occur when these go awry
• The current status of understanding of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Molecular mechanisms that regulate cell shape and movement; to include cellular cytoskeleton biochemistry
• Selected aspects of cell signalling including the operation of tyrosine kinase receptors, G-proteins, lipid-derivatives and calcium ions as second messengers, cell signalling in the immune system
• The nuclear receptor superfamily and describe the overall mechanism of action of steroid receptors and related non-steroid receptors (thyroid hormone, retinoic acid, vitamin D receptors)
• The tissue specificity of hormone response as regards glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
• The molecules and mechanisms that govern cell-cell adhesion and cell-matrix interactions

Students will also develop practical skills in data interpretation, communication (written and oral) as well as interpersonal and team-working skills. These represent transferable skills that will benefit students across a range of disciplines. The aims of the course will be achieved through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical classes and a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%) consisting of an essay, practical reports and online tests. Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%) consisting of an essay, practical reports and online tests.

• Mock exam allows students to practice for essay based exams and receive feedback on their performance.
• Practice exam essay allows students to write under exam conditions and receive feedback on their performance.
• Case-study exercise with feedback in preparation for summative assessments.
• PRS-based revision sessions allow students to practice for MCQ tests and receive feedback on their performance.
• PRS-based MCQ in lectures/practicals.
• Practice exam questions on MyAberdeen.
• Problem-solving sessions.

• Practical reports and essays will be marked with written comments.
• Problem solving questions will be discussed during a lecture/feedback session.
• Tutorial sessions will provide feedback on course content.
• Written comments will be provided on the mock exam question.
• Students are given general feedback on performance during PRS revision sessions.
• Students receive on-line feedback on completion of the MCQ tests and quizzes.
• PRS MCQ assessment answers discussed at the end of assessment session. Immediate feedback on practice questions available on MyAberdeen.
• Feedback on problem-based learning exercise.