BCH3042

Cell signal transduction: role in cancer and human disease

(SCI)

Dr Alfons Lawen and Dr Steve Ralph (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

6 points + Two 1-hour lectures and one 4-hour practical/ tutorial/ self-directed learning exercise per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: BCH2011 and BCH2022 + Highly recommended: MOL2011 and MOL2022, BCH3011 and BCH3031 + Prohibition: BTH3746

Synopsis: The aim of this course is to provide an advanced understanding of the molecular aspects of cell proliferation, cell signalling, differentiation and cell death as they relate to cell biology and medicine. Themes include basic mechanisms of cell signalling involving cell receptors, gene expression, hormones and endocrine networks, and intracellular signalling cascade. These concepts are applied to cell growth, differentiation and cell death and how the involvement of the immune system is regulated in diseases, including auto-immune diseases, cancer (and its treatment) and the destruction of T-cells after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Assessment: Examination (2 hours) 65% + Evaluation of practicals (15%) and syndicate sessions/data assessment/ oral presentations (20%) will take place weekly during the semester in the practical/tutorial/self-directed learning sessions