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Building on Years 1 and 2, this unit explores in depth the pivotal roles of membrane transport proteins (ion channels, transporters and pumps) in cellular activity, and the impact of disturbances in their  normal activity arising from genetic aberration and disease. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of these proteins, and their structure and function, to learn how they can be exploited to treat clinical conditions such as cancer, pain and dementia.

BIOL21321 is a mandatory pre-requisite for BIOL31621

Ion channels and transporters have essential roles in the control of cellular activity. This unit aims to acquaint students with the roles of such proteins in clinical conditions, (e.g. cancer, pain, dementia) and the means to exploit them  as therapeutic targets. 

Recognise the pivotal roles of ion channel and transporter proteins in normal cellular activity.

Understand the consequences of disturbance to normal activity resulting from genetic aberration, disease, or drug action.

Be able to link knowledge of ion channel/transporter structure and function to pathophysiology and approaches used for therapeutic intervention.

Be able to review developing strategies for therapeutic intervention. 
Recognise the pivotal roles of ion channel and transporter proteins in normal cellular activity.

Understand the consequences of disturbance to normal activity resulting from genetic aberration, disease, or drug action.

Be able to link knowledge of ion channel/transporter structure and function to pathophysiology and approaches used for therapeutic intervention.

Be able to review developing strategies for therapeutic intervention. 
 

Structural and functional diversity of ion channels/transporters: Advanced knowledge of diversity in ion channel/transporter structure-function and its physiological and therapeutic relevance.  

Ion channel trafficking: Principles of ion channel trafficking, targeting and distribution, in relation to disease and therapeutic exploitation.  

Pain: Physiological roles of ion channels in pain transmission and how pain related channelopathies arise from genetic mutations. Exploration of drugs currently in use and their limitations. Advances in developing improved strategies for treating chronic and neuropathic pain are also explored.

Dementia: Physiological roles of vascular ion channels in regulation of cerebral blood flow, and the consequences of vascular ion channel dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease and vascular dementia.

Calcium Signalling and Disease: Physiological roles of ion channels and transporters involved in diseases arising from disrupted calcium signalling, e.g. calcium overload (stroke), genetic mutations (Alzheimer’s disease).

Cancer: Roles of calcium and sodium channels and transporters in cancer. How calcium impacts on key cancer hallmarks, e.g. proliferation, migration and how sodium transport promotes invasion and metastasis. Potential of the calcium signalling machinery and sodium channels as therapeutic targets.  

Online research paper-based SAQs 20%

Written exam (essay Qs) 80% 
 

Online formative quizzes on core lecture material – written feedback for each Q via Canvas

Online research paper-based SAQs – individual and general written feedback via Canvas

Workshops – verbal feedback in sessions

Submitted essay plans (optional) – written feedback via email

Online discussion - written responses to student Qs via Canvas 
 

References specific to each lecture topic will be recommended by individual lecturers.

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.