University of the
West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJNB-20-2 Title: Molecular Aspects of Life Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:
Faculty Committee approval: Q&S Committee (School of Life Sciences) Date: Summer 2009
Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites:
USSJJM-20-1 Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Co-requisites:
Entry Requirements:
Excluded Combinations:
None
Learning Outcomes:
The student will be able to:
– describe the main structural features of proteins and the forces governing protein folding;
– use specific examples to illustrate the relationship between structure and function in proteins;
– show an understanding of how proteins synthesized on ribosomes in the cytoplasm are secreted or targeted to other parts of the cell;
– discuss the main features common to cell signal transduction pathways and illustrate these with examples;
– discuss factors controlling the eukaryotic cell cycle;
– show an understanding of the importance of protein folding, targeting, cell signalling and the cell cycle in health and disease;
– show practical and theoretical knowledge of some commonly used techniques in molecular cell biology and biochemistry.
Syllabus Outline:
– An overview of protein structure and function. Protein folding and denaturation. Selected examples to illustrate the importance of protein folding in health and disease.
– Methods of subcellular fractionation. The use of marker enzymes to identify and quantitatively assess the homogeneity of different subcellular fractions.
– The synthesis, post-translational modification and targeting of secretory proteins, membrane proteins and lysosomal hydrolases. Methods of investigation. Receptor mediated endocytosis.
– Intracellular protein targeting and trafficking. Targeting of proteins to the nucleus and endosomes and to locations within chloroplasts and mitochondria.
– Signal transduction and second messengers. The diverse nature of signals. General concepts of signal perception and transduction and the nature of the second messenger systems which operate to transduce and amplify incoming signals. Selected examples of cell signalling in health and disease.
– An outline of the cell cycle and its regulation.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The module will be delivered as lectures, practical classes and as computer aided tutorials. Student-centred exercises will expand upon lecture material and give experience in data interpretation.
Reading Strategy:
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Any essential reading will be indicated clearly, along with the method for accessing it, e.g. students may be expected to purchase a set text, be given or sold a print study pack or be referred to texts that are available electronically, etc. This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
If further reading is expected, this will be indicated clearly. If specific texts are listed, a clear indication will be given regarding how to access them and, if appropriate, students will be given guidance on how to identify relevant sources for themselves, e.g. through use of bibliographical databases.
Indicative Reading List:
– Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology, W.H. Freeman and Company
– Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland
– Alberts et al., Essential Cell Biology, Garland
Assessment:
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%
FIRST ATTEMPT
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
CW1 |
||
CW2 |
||
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
EX3 |
||
Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
CW1 |
1 | |
CW2 |
1 | |
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)