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BB50238: Advances in cell membrane biology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2018/9
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 40%, EX 60%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Critical evaluation (CW 40%)
  • Exam (EX 60%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: In taking this module you cannot take BB30045
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To provide an understanding of the overall importance of membrane processes in cellular function and disease. The unit will outline the structure and function of the lipid bilayer and the topological arrangement of proteins in the membrane, mechanisms involved in the transport of solutes across cell membranes, and mechanisms involved in sorting membrane proteins to specialised subcellular compartments.

Learning Outcomes:
Outline how membrane lipids and proteins are structurally organised in the membrane
Describe how ions and sugars are transported across membranes
Critically evaluate the mechanisms by which membrane proteins are sorted into specialised subcellular compartments and the routes by which membrane trafficking occurs.

Skills:
Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Numeracy & computation T/F/A, Laboratory skills T/F, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content:
Functions and common structural feature of membrane lipids and proteins. Assembly of proteins into membranes. Lateral diffusion of membrane components. Common features of membrane transporters for ions and neutral molecules together with the specialised features that provide substrate specificity. Simple kinetic features of the membrane transport process. Mechanisms for membrane vesicle budding and fusion and the functional significance of these processes in terms of membrane protein sorting and trafficking.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

BB50238 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry

Notes: