PHYS20050 Cell-Cell Communication

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module is designed to give the student an in-depth knowledge of cellular communication and signalling, with a particular focus on muscle and nerve biology. Students will learn how cells of the human body communicate with each other and with their environments and be introduced to the signalling mechanisms used by the immune system as part of host defence. They will learn how membrane potentials arise and how these are specialized within nerve and muscle tissues. Students will also cover the molecular basis of skeletal and smooth muscle contraction and muscle mechanics. This is a core module for the MB BCh BAO Medical Degree and the Graduate Entry to Medicine programme, and is offered as an option for Biomedical Health and Life Science students that have some background in biological science.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Biomedical Knowledge:
On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe basic cellular structures that contribute to cellular functions.
2. Compare and contrast the main cellular signalling pathways.
3. Explain the principles of nerve physiology and neural communication.
4. Compare and contrast skeletal and smooth muscle contraction.
5. Describe the basic mechanisms of cell signalling used in host defence.

Clinically-relevant Skills:
On completion of this module students will be familiar with basic cellular communication mechanisms that control normal physiological functions and the potential clinical relevance of defects in these pathways.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

26
Small Group

6
Tutorial

3
Computer Aided Lab

6
Specified Learning Activities

6
Autonomous Student Learning

78
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Teaching on this module is predominantly lecture-based.

The module content is divided in to three sections:

1. Cell structure and function
2. Excitable cells and electrical signalling
3. Cell-cell signalling and communication

In addition to core lectures each section of the module will include one small class tutorial and a computer aided learning (CAL) class. Tutorial and CAL activities are designed to evaluate module content from different viewpoints. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PHYS10020 - An introduction to Physiology:, PHYS20040 - Cell and Tissue Physiology, PHYS20060 - Fundamentals of Physiology , PHYS20100 - Cell-Cell Signalling

Equivalents:
Cell-cell Comm & Signalling (MDSA10030)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Attendance: Students will be assessed based on their participation in a defined number of tutorials, computer labs and online learning activities. Online MCQ associated with tutorials and CAL must be completed. Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10
Examination: This assessment will consist of a combination of multiple choice questions and written answer questions as an end of module assessment on all learning objectives covered in the module. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

85
Continuous Assessment: Students will participate in written continuous assessment exercises as a learning activity and a preparatory exercise for the end of term assessment. Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

5

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring 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
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Submitted work will be annotated by the examiner for feedback and guidance purposes. General feedback will also be provided at the class level post-assessment. Students who require additional feedback may request to meet the module coordinator and/or examiner.

Name Role
Assoc Professor John Baugh Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Marguerite Clyne Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jeffrey Glennon Tutor
Dr David Gomez Tutor
Professor Brendan Loftus Tutor
Dr Sergio Rey Tutor
Professor Denis Shields Tutor