Â鶹´«Ã½

-


BB50238: Advances in cell membrane biology

Academic Year: 2018/9
Owning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CW 40%, EX 60%
Assessment Detail:
  • Critical evaluation (CW 40%)
  • Exam (EX 60%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: In taking this module you cannot take BB30045
Description: Aims:
To provide an understanding of the overall importance of membrane processes in cellular function and disease. The unit will outline the structure and function of the lipid bilayer and the topological arrangement of proteins in the membrane, mechanisms involved in the transport of solutes across cell membranes, and mechanisms involved in sorting membrane proteins to specialised subcellular compartments.

Learning Outcomes:
Outline how membrane lipids and proteins are structurally organised in the membrane
Describe how ions and sugars are transported across membranes
Critically evaluate the mechanisms by which membrane proteins are sorted into specialised subcellular compartments and the routes by which membrane trafficking occurs.

Skills:
Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Numeracy & computation T/F/A, Laboratory skills T/F, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content:
Functions and common structural feature of membrane lipids and proteins. Assembly of proteins into membranes. Lateral diffusion of membrane components. Common features of membrane transporters for ions and neutral molecules together with the specialised features that provide substrate specificity. Simple kinetic features of the membrane transport process. Mechanisms for membrane vesicle budding and fusion and the functional significance of these processes in terms of membrane protein sorting and trafficking.
Programme availability:

BB50238 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2018/19 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2019/20 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2018/19.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Undergraduates: .
  • Postgraduates: .