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BB40184: Cell biology of metastasis

[Page last updated: 04 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Re-assessment Essay (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you are advised to take BB20023 AND take BB20160
Aims: To provide an overview of our current understanding of key cellular processes such as the maintenance of epithelial cell polarity and the control of cell migration; control of cell growth and apoptosis; and epigenetic regulation. To describe how defects in the regulation of these process contribute to the metastatic behaviour of cancer cells. To summarise current methods used to study these processes and the advantages and limitations of these approaches.

Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the students should be able to:
1. Describe the regulation of key cellular processes such as the formation and maintenance of epithelial cell polarity and the regulation of cell migration.
2. Explain how defects in the normal regulation these process might contribute to metastatic behaviour.
3. Assess the merits and limitations of the different experimental approaches used to study these processes.

Skills: Learning and studying (T/F/A), information handling and retrieval (T/F/A), working independently (T/F), written communication (T/F/A) and oral communication (T/F/A).

Content: Formation and maintenance of epithelial cell polarity, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell migration.

Programme availability:

BB40184 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB02 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 3)
  • USBB-AKB06 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AFB11 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 3)
  • UXXX-AKB11 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc(Hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Year 4)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.