BL3303 Membranes and Cell Communication
(BL3303 online module handbook version 79)
image: Cytonemes (green) and Hedgehog signalling activity reporter (red) in Drosophila wing imaginal disc.†
This module looks at the various ways in which cells communicate with each other. Cell signalling not only involves the creation and reception of signals but also the mechanisms by which signals are transported across biological membranes. We will therefore consider the central role that biological membranes play in the regulation of the movement of molecules between different extracellular, intracellular and transcellular compartments. Also protein sorting and membrane trafficking will be studied. Using various examples of cell communication, the module will discuss both the molecular and the organismal implications of cell signalling. Topics covered include: (i) Lipids; (ii) Protein targeting and sorting; (iii) Membrane trafficking and transport; (iv) Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog signalling; (v) Plant cell signalling; (vi) Hippo signalling; (vii) Ubiquitylation and SUMOylation.
*Credits: 20*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL2301 and ( pass BL2305 or pass BL2306 or pass BL2309 or pass PN2202 )*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL3303: Assessment
3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL3303: Contributing Staff †
BL3303: Learning Outcomes †
The objective of this module is to provide insights into how cells communicate with each other, emphasising properties of biological membranes, membrane trafficking and cell signalling. Also to facilitate the development of essential scientific skills.
Students completing module BL3303 successfully should be able to:
- Acquire an understanding of the biology of biological membranes, protein sorting and membrane trafficking
- Gain insights into the mechanisms underlying cell signalling and signal transduction
- Find and critically read and evaluate literature
- Produce a summary of a scientific paper and a practical report
- Produce a figure of the results of a practical
- Work in small teams in a lab-based context
- Plan work in order to meet deadlines
- Understand the principles that underlie cell communication
BL3303: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Compound Microscopy
- Fixing and preserving specimens
- Image processing
- Pipetting
- Stereomicroscopy
Transferable Skills
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- Completing a research paper from which sections have been removed
- Problem-solving questions
- Data presentation
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
