University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

Membrane trafficking mediates the transport of substances between different cellular organelles and the secretion of substances from cells. As such, regulation of membrane trafficking is applicable to all cell types, but especially to specialised secretory cells such as neurons, which secrete neurotransmitters and pancreatic beta-cells which secrete insulin. This module will consider how molecules control the movement of substances through the secretory pathway, but will focus on how cells regulate the release of contents. Within the module you will look at the proteins involved, the different experiments used to study the process and how model organisms are enhancing our understanding.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass BL3303

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 128

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 25%
Practical examinations : 20%
Coursework: 55%

Re-assessment: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Existing Coursework = 50%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr G R Prescott
Module teaching staff: Dr G Prescott, Dr J Tilsner
Module coordinator email grp2@st-andrews.ac.uk