Module Code - Title:
BY4075
-
CELL COMMUNICATION AND REGULATION
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
BY4035
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module introduces students to concepts and experimental techniques in eukaryotic cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. The module covers basic cell structure, the principles of the cell cycle and cell division, the control of living processes by genetic mechanisms, and techniques for genetic manipulation such as gene cloning, and investigating cell biology. These concepts are central to the understanding of cellular regulation within multicellular organisms.
Note: BY4035 Cell Biology and Biochemistry or an equivalent module is a prerequisite for this module
Syllabus:
Functional Geography of Cells; Introduction to Cell Organisation, Variety and Cell Membranes; Molecular Traffic in Cells; Organelles involved in Energy and Metabolism. Eukaryotic Cell Cycle; Chromosome Structure & Cell Division; Meiosis and Recombination; The Extracellular Matrix; The role of receptors and signal transduction in the function of cells; how hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors and other molecular messengers act and the roles of cell surface receptors, nuclear receptors and associated signalling proteins such as G proteins and kinases; The structure/function relationships of receptors (nuclear and cell surface) and signalling molecules
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Students will understand the function of cellular organelles and have an appreciation for the factors contributing to cell division and the cell cycle. Appreciate the role of the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix in the regulation of cell function. Describe the structure and discuss the function of the main classes of receptors and signalling molecules and the methods used to study these.Comprehend the nature of ligand to receptors and have an overview of the resultant signalling pathways. Appreciate how aberrant cell cycle control contributes to cancer.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Students will develop an appreciation of the complexities of cellular regulation and the role of proteins, growth factors and the extracellular matrix in the normal regulation of cells and tissues.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is delivered by lecture and laboratory sessions. Students are introduced to experimental methods in cell biology, including tissue culture, cell cycle analysis, and ligand receptor interactions. Pathway modelling software will be used to illustrate how changing the activity of a single component of a pathway can have major consequences for the cell. The module is supported by recent relevant literature, concentrating particularly on the experimental methods used in cellular biology.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Alberts, B., Bray,D., Hopkin, K., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M Roberts, K., and Walter, P. (2014)
Essential Cell Biology, 4th Edition
, Garland Science, New York
Alberts, B., Johnson, Morgan, D., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., and Walter, P. (2014)
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th Edition
, Garland Science, New York
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
raffaele.nicastro@ul.ie