BGM2002 : Biochemistry and Genetics of Signalling and the Cell Cycle
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Catherine Meplan
- Lecturer: Dr Helen Phillips, Professor Janet Quinn, Professor Neil Perkins, Professor Brian Morgan, Professor Jane Endicott, Professor Craig Robson, Professor Brendan Kenny, Dr Simon Whitehall
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
This module aims to introduce signalling mechanisms and pathways with a specific focus on the regulation of the eukaryotic cell division cycle.
Specific aims are then:
1.To introduce the students to key concepts in signaling, within and between cells that take place during stress, cell cycle, cancer, development, apoptosis and bacterial infection.
2.To provide an overview of protein modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitination, etc.) and their role in cell signaling.
3. To provide a knowledge and understanding of the tools available for the investigation of cell signaling and cell division, including the use of yeast as a model organism.
4. To demonstrate how biochemistry and genetics has provided information regarding the identity and function of proteins involved in the regulation of the cell division cycle.
5. To provide the opportunity for practical experience in common techniques for the manipulation of yeast.
6. To provide an opportunity to discuss the use of key signalling molecules as drug targets in the treatment of common diseases
Outline Of Syllabus
Signalling within and between cells is an essential part of many biological processes, from the functioning of the cell cycle to maintenance of homeostasis, development, response to stress and immune function. This module will: introduce common features and components of extra- and intracellular signalling pathways; describe modifications to proteins (covalent and non-covalent) that alter their activities and stability; provide expanded examples of signaling in the context of development, disease and stress states; explain the eukaryotic cell cycle and its regulation in both model yeast species and higher eukaryotes. The module will highlight some of the components that compromise signaling pathways and responses and their consequences for disease and development.
Examples of signaling that will be covered include:
Description of key cell cycle regulatory pathways and components
Oxidative stress
Signalling in cancer and combating cancer by targeting key cell cycle signaling pathways
Compromising signaling pathways during bacterial infection
Programmed cell death - apoptosis
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | PIP |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 25:00 | 25:00 | Completion of practical write up |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Non-sync online - 1 hour lecture material (pre-recorded) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 6:00 | 12:00 | PIP - 1 practical run over 2x6 hour sessions. 2 academic staff involved |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Sync online - 1 hour Support sessions full cohort attendance |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | PIP - Class to be broken down into smaller groups for seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Sync online using breakout rooms - Essay Writing Guidance Session |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 133:00 | 133:00 | Writing up lectures notes, revision and general reading. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Synchronous online |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Most lectures will be delivered in presence, apart from one lecture that will be pre-recorded and followed by a synchronous support session to encourage students' participation. During the support session, students will be able to ask questions, and will be able to evaluate their knowledge through activities such as quiz and/or data interpretation.
Lecture material is used to impart new information in a concise manner regarding principles of the regulation of cell cycle and signalling pathways, as well as expanded examples of signalling pathways. During the essay writing skills workshop, students will be encouraged to work with their peers in teams to strengthen their writing skills.
The practical laboratory classes are designed to develop practical skills in techniques commonly used in biomedical science laboratories and to familiarise the students with the use of yeast as a model organism. Students will also be able to relate the theoretical learning and to the practical laboratory works in this module. The seminar will reinforce and support lecture material as well as provide a forum for analysis of data.
Public health contingency:
Lectures and seminars can/will move to online either as synchronous or non-synchronous delivery.
Practical can/will move to pre-recorded practical video; data will be provided to students.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 40 | Online 24 hour take home open-book essay paper - 1 question from a choice of 2 (800 words) |
| PC Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 40 | Invigilated exam (60 mins) MCQ (50 questions) |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 20 | Structured write up based on the laboratory practical, including data analysis (5 questions). Online |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
In course:
The practical write up will allow students to demonstrate their capacity to perform and interpret experimental data using yeast as a model organism.
Exam:
The MCQ will allow to test student’s breadth of knowledge of taught materials.
The essay will test understanding, allowing students to demonstrate a capacity to integrate, discuss and compare underlying principles of cell cycle and signalling pathways regulation.
Public health contingency:
Invigilated exam can/will move to online (24-hour take-home exam), timed (60 mins) – MCQ paper
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BGM2002's Timetable