Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
BB20024 The dynamic cell 1 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take BB10005 |
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Aims: To provide students with the vocabulary and concepts of cell signalling and cell division; key aspects of cell biology. To provide details of how cells communicate and divide, how these processes are studied and to illustrate the importance of cell signalling, cell cycle control and mitosis, particularly in growth, development and cancer.
Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to: 1. Explain the major methods used to study cell signalling and the cell division cycle; 2. Demonstrate knowledge of major cell signalling systems, mitosis and cell cycle control; 3. Identify mechanisms that are either unique or common to different signalling systems. Skills: Written communication T/FA, Information handling and retrieval T/FA, Working independently T/F Content: Growth factors and the regulation of cell proliferation during mammalian growth and in cancer. Tyrosine kinase receptors and the MAP kinase pathway. Hormones and intracellular receptors. G-protein coupled receptors (especially those involved in the perception of light, smell and taste), and the Ca2+ and cAMP second messenger systems. Signalling systems that involve protein cleavage. Cell signalling in Plants. Regulation of the cell division cycle. Mitosis. |