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Cell Biology of Disease

Module description

This module will provide insight into the molecular basis of diseases in humans and other eukaryotic organisms. The emphasis is on the underlying cell biology and molecular defects of various disorders which are linked to alterations of the cytoskeleton and intracellular motility, neurodegeneration such as in Alzheimer's  disease, pathogen/parasite invasion, cancer, protein sorting, organelle biogenesis, metabolism and organelle cooperation.

The module is suited for students interested in molecular cell biology with a link to cytopathology, human disease and biomedicine. Good basic knowledge in cell biology is required for this module.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to elucidate the underlying molecular and cellular alterations in various forms of disease with particular emphasis on cellular dynamics, the cytoskeleton and organelle function. This will allow you a more integrative view and understanding of important research subjects.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the molecular mechanisms which result in human disease and pathophysiology.
• 2. Demonstrate competency in the analysis and interpretation of patient data and the connection between molecular/cellular alterations and disease symptoms/pathophysiology

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry/metabolism and biomedical approaches.
• 4. Demonstrate competency in the reading and interpretation of primary scientific literature and synthesise research-informed examples into oral and written work.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Demonstrate the ability to link and evaluate ideas from different sources to reach evidence-based and independent conclusions.
• 6. Actively engaging in groupwork, confident, articulate verbal presentation, active listening/insightful questioning, providing constructive, task-appropriate peer feedback.

Syllabus plan

Lecture content will provide the cytological background and more profound insight into human diseases. Thereafter, this content will be revised and expanded in seven scientific discussion sessions that will be led by teaching academics. For each session, small groups of three students (depending on the number of students in the module) will prepare a 15-minute presentation based on lecture material and selected literature. This will be followed by an open discussion after each student presentation. The presentations will be given by three spokespeople (depending on the number of students in the module). The case report analysis will be based on a patient case report and workshop with problem-based learning approach. The scientific essay will focus on lecture/presentation material.

Accessibility Statement:

As part of this module, you will be required to undertake group work, deliver a presentation in class and actively participate in discussions towards your summative assessment. A clear commitment to group presentations and in class discussions is expected.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Alberts B. et al. (2015) Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th Edition). Garland Science ISBN978-0-8153-4464-3

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

• Primary research publications and review articles covering various topics will be made available.

Key words search

Cytoskeleton, mitosis, molecular motor, dynein, kinesin, microtubule, actin, myosin, cilium, organelle, lysosomes, peroxisomes, mitochondria, autophagy, neurodegeneration, stem cells