University of the

West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJKY-30-M Title: Gene Expression and Cellular Regulation Version:

Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:

Module type:

Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:

Faculty Committee approval: Q&S Committee (School of Life Sciences) Date: Summer 2009

Approved for Delivery by: N/A

Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites:

      None

Co-requisites:

      None

Entry requirements:

None

Excluded combinations:

None

Learning outcomes:

The student will be able to:

- critically discuss current approaches to cell signalling and gene expression and appreciate the importance of protein expression for cellular function;

- understand gene expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and critically discuss aspects of post-transcription modification for control of cellular function;

- critically discuss aspects of protein structure function relationships, and protein modifications;

- discuss in depth selected signal transduction pathways;

- critically discuss aspects of circadian rhythms and the molecular mechanisms that underlie them;

- critically assess, present and discuss primary reference source material.

Syllabus outline:

In this module students will study the current state of gene expresison and cell signalling. This will include discussion of:

- protein structure and function relationships;

- post-transcriptional modifications of proteins and how this effects cell function;

- transcription factors, and their role in controlling gene expression;

- the role of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression;

- the principles of cell signalling;

- the role of receptors in signal perception;

- selected signal transduction pathways, including cAMP signalling, inositol signalling, the central role of calcium in signalling, and free radical signals.

- the signalling used by prokaryotes;

- epigenetics and its ramifications for cell function;

- fluctuations of cell function, for example during circadian rhythms.

Teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered as mainly as lectures, along with tutorials, feedback and revision sessions.

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:

•Hancock, J.T. (2005) 2nd Ed. Cell Signalling, Oxford University Press. New ed due 2010.

•Helmrich, E.J.M. (2001) The Biochemistry of Cell Signalling, Oxford University Press.

•Latchman, D. (2002) Gene Expression. 5th ed., Nelson Thornes.

•Lesk AM. 2007. Introduction to Genomics. Oxford University Press.

•Russell PJ. (2006) iGenetics – A Molecular Approach. Pearson Education.

•Dale JW & vonSchantz M. (2002) From Genes to Genomes. Wiley

•Lodish et al. (2007) 6th Ed. Molecular Cell Biology, Freeman.

•Alberts et al.(2008) 5th Ed. Molecular Biology of the Cell. Garland Publishing.

•Plus appropriate use of relevant primary reference journals and www based resources

Assessment:

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A (controlled) Element weighting

EX3

Examination (3 Hours)

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

CW1

Essay (2500 words)

1

CW2

Critical analysis of appropriate research paper of choice

1

   

 

   

 

   

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX3

Examination (3 Hours)

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

CW1

Essay (2500 words)

1

CW2

Critical analysis of appropriate research paper of choice

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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