Module Information

Module Identifier
BR25920
Module Title
Cell and Cancer Biology
Academic Year
2020/2021
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Lab Report  (1,000 words)  20%
Semester Assessment Mini-tests  (40 minutes online or paper-based)  40%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   40%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  60%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  40%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Discuss the roles of gene expression, signalling and cell-cell interactions in development and relate these to developmental disorders.

2. Discuss the molecular cell biology of cancer and relate this to clinical situations.

3. Analyse and communicate data in an appropriate fashion.

4. Demonstrate the ability to proactively work within a team and reflect on teamwork.

Brief description

From stem cells to metastatic cancer the molecular mechanisms regulating cells are central to our understanding of how life on Earth functions. Furthermore, cell biology is critical for the development of treatments for many of the most significant conditions afflicting humans. In this module we will use the life of the cell and cancer as frameworks to examine the fundamental processes, shared by so many organisms, which regulate the normal and abnormal function of cells.

Content

The module will begin with an introduction to the key molecular mechanisms underpinning cell biology such as signaling and gene expression.
The molecular biology of the cell will then be explored further in the context of aspects of the life of the cell such as the cell cycle, differentiation or apoptosis. The molecular biology of cancer has revealed much about the workings of normal cells and disruptions to signaling and gene expression, amongst other processes, will be examined in the context of oncogenesis. We will also examine the role of cell behavior, and its molecular basis, in the development of metastatic disease. Finally, we relate the molecular biology of cancer to its treatment and prognosis.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Processing, analysis and presentation of experimental data.
Communication Preparation of professional laboratory and case study reports.
Improving own Learning and Performance
Information Technology Use of software to analyse and prepare data for presentation.
Personal Development and Career planning
Problem solving Interpretation of laboratory results.
Research skills Use of online bibliographies and search engines to source literature for practical and case study reports.
Subject Specific Skills Subject-specific analysis of cell biology data and use of appropriate cell biology techniques.
Team work

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5