THE MOLECULAR CONTROL OF CELL FUNCTION

THE MOLECULAR CONTROL OF CELL FUNCTION
Course Code
BC 3804
Credit Points
30
Course Coordinator
Dr I J McEwan

Pre-requisites

BI 20M3 and BI 25M1. CM 2008, CM 2512, BI 2002 and CM 2511 strongly recommended.

Notes

This is a 'blocked' course extending over 6 weeks.

Overview

This course explores the molecular mechanisms involved in controlling cell function, emphasising the role of protein:protein interactions. A study of the structural proteins required to maintain cell structure and cell division is followed by an in-depth discussion of the enzymes involved in regulating metabolism and maintaining homeostasis within the cell. Ligand-receptor interactions and intracellular signalling pathways illustrate how the cell reacts to external signals, while a review of the extracellular matrix and cell adhesion leads to a discussion of the molecular basis of oncogenesis and cell differentiation.

Structure

7 one-hour lectures per week. 1 two-hour tutorial every 2 weeks and an average of 10 hours practical work per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%) consisting of an essay and practical reports.

Students must pass both the course work and examination parts of the course.

Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%) consisting of an essay and practical reports.