Explore UCD

UCD Home >

BIOC40030

Academic Year 2025/2026

Advanced Cell Signalling (BIOC40030)

Subject:
Biochemistry
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Jens Rauch
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will be an advanced course on mechanisms of intracellular signalling in higher eukaryotic systems and is core for stage 4 of the B.Sc degree in Biochemistry and optional for Pharmacology, Genetics and Neuroscience students.
The course will focus on the detailed description of a number of signalling modes and mechanisms including RAF/ERK Signalling in Cancer, mTOR Signalling and autophagy, the role of WNT Signalling and Inflammation, TGF Beta Signalling and the role of signalling adaptations in breast and prostate cancer. Particular attention is paid to evaluating the structure/function relationship of the key signalling components and to the integration of the various signalling cascades. In addition, the course will focus on key technologies involved in current research including systems biology approaches, and state-of-the-art proteomics and metabolomics technologies. In addition, students will work on a self-selected literature review exploring specific signalling pathways relevant to a variety of biological processes and/or diseases.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
• Discuss the key modes of intracellular signalling in higher eukaryotes.
• Explain the diversity of signalling modalities within complex signalling cascades.
• Critically evaluate key molecular approaches to investigate mechanisms of intracellular signalling in higher eukaryotes.
• Develop competencies in self-directed learning and writing skills.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Lectures

12
Total

102

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
BIOC40030 uses a blended and student-centred approach to support advanced learning in cellular and molecular signalling. Core principles and signalling mechanisms are introduced through lectures, which are reinforced through active learning activities, including case-based and problem-based learning, focused on the analysis of the existing literature and signalling pathways.

Peer learning activities are used to promote collaborative learning, critical evaluation, and scientific communication. Enquiry-based learning supports the development of higher-order thinking skills through engagement with primary research literature and current advances in signalling biology. Directed independent study further encourages students to synthesise complex information and apply concepts to novel biological contexts.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
In line with the UCD Academic Integrity Policy, you may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your engagement with AI stops when you begin to create your submission. Your submissions should therefore be authored entirely by yourself and should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. You should keep a comprehensive record of all outputs generated by AI, and may be required to document these as part of the activities, or present them on demand. An appropriate AI tool may be used to correct grammatical errors and improve the language of text you alone have authored. You must not allow the AI tool to alter the sense of any text, offer a critique of or modify any arguments.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Written, individual scientific mini review article on a signalling pathway. Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 Yes
Exam (In-person): 2hr End of trimester exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Participation in peer review activity: Providing/receiving feedback to peers' review drafts Week 7, Week 8, Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

In the event that a student as a query, he/she contact the MC who in turn will provide a written comment or meet the student in person at an agreed date and time.

Name Role
Dr Mario Manresa Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Maria Prencipe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Mon 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Wed 09:00 - 09:50
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.