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The Dynamic Cell provides an integrated approach to the understanding of the biology of the cell, from understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin cellular processes through to how such processes allow cells to function in their physiological context (ie. in tissues and during development). You will learn how and why cells move and how they interact with and adhere to each other. You will also learn about the roles of important structures within cells.

BIOL21121 Pre-requisite is BIOL10232

BIOL21121 Pre & Co-requisites are BIOL10232

To provide an integrated approach to the understanding of the biology of the cell, from understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin cellular processes through to how such processes allow cells to function in their physiological context (ie. in tissues and during development). To introduce both ‘classical’ and leading edge experimental approaches to cell biology research. To provide a good grasp of cell biology to those Biological Scientists who will not continue in this area.

Students will be able to:

• Understand how cells are able to move
• Understand how cell motility can be directed and organized to allow single cells, small groups and whole fields of cells to migrate
• Appreciate how cells interact with other cells and the extracellular matrix allowing formation and maintenance of tissues
• Understand the spatial organization within the cell and how cellular asymmetry and polarity can be established and maintained and why this can be important for cell function
• Understand homeostatic mechanisms that allow cells to adapt to changes in development and cellular physiology
• Understand key experimental techniques for studying dynamic processes in live cells and whole organisms
• Understand key experimental techniques for studying dynamic processes in live cells and whole organisms

Cell movement: Mechanisms and regulation of cell migration: the importance of actin polymerisation. Role of the small GTPases Rho, Rac and Cdc42. Importance of assembly and disassembly of focal adhesions.

Directing cell motility: Sensing of a chemical gradient by single cells, signalling cascades regulating asymmetric membrane and cytoskeletal organisation. Group migration: effects of scale (distance, cell number & dimension) on cell movement, signal relays & interplay between adhesion & movement. Sheet migration: movement of whole tissues during embryogenesis and wound healing.

Cell adhesion: Tight junctions, desmosomes, adherens junctions, gap junctions, hemidesmosomes. Roles and composition.

Cell polarity: Establishment and function of apical-basolateral and planar polarity in epithelia, role in formation of neural tube. Spindle positioning in symmetric and asymmetric division. Role of cytoskeletal elements, motors and Par proteins.

Tissue homeostasis: Turnover and maintenance of cells within tissues: adhesion, cell polarity stem cells and apoptosis.

Cellular asymmetry and homeostasis: Spatial organization and movement within cells: mRNA localisation, nuclear-cytoplasmic transport, GTPases as spatial regulators. Regulation of organelles: unfolded protein response and plasma cell development.

e-Learning Activities

Five scenario-based learning modules introducing students in a guided manner to primary literature associated with the lecture material. Develop skills in interpreting different types of data, importance of controls etc. using examples from classic papers. 

80% of unit mark from an in person written exam consisting of multiple choice questions and an essay. 

20% of unit mark from a written data interpretation coursework exercise to be completed during the semester. 

Five formative e-learning activities, feedback provided on coursework exercise, formative MCQ tests, online discussion forum, post-exam clinic. 

• Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K & Walter P (2008) Molecular Biology of the Cell (5th edition). Garland Science. Chapters 12, 16 & 19.
• Lodish H, Berk A, Kaiser C, Krieger M, Scott M, Bretscher A, Ploegh H & Matsudaira P (2008) Molecular Cell Biology (6th edition). W. H. Freeman. Chapters 13, 17 & 19.

The year studying abroad is an integral part of the course and must be completed. Some costs, such as tuition fees, are substantially lower. Other costs can vary and are not included in the tuition fee. For example, living costs may be higher or lower than the UK, and there are travel-related costs to consider, such as paying for a passport, visa fees, health insurance, and (if needed) vaccinations.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's (PDF document, 91KB).

Students participating in placements outside the UK may be able to apply for funding from the depending on eligibility. Priority will be given to students from low income households.