Unit information: Cellular Information in 2021/22

Unit name	Cellular Information
Unit code	BIOC30602
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Cory
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	MOLG22100 and BIOC20001
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Biochemistry
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

Students study advanced topics in cellular information networks and genomic information. These lectures are split into two elements. The first element, Genomic Information, covers molecular biology and genomics. The second element, Information Networks, looks at how cells process information from a range of sources.

The unit aims to develop an understanding of key concepts in cellular information systems including:

Genomic Information

• Advanced material on DNA structure and function
• DNA repair mechanisms to maintain information integrity
• Transcriptional processing of genomic information
• Functional genomics

Information Networks

• Conveying information through the covalent modification of proteins
• Cellular signalling networks
• Metabolic networks
• The failure of signalling processes in obesity and diabetes

Intended Learning Outcomes

• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the advanced cellular information topics covered in the unit and an ability to keep abreast with recent developments in the field.
• The ability to gather information from the primary scientific literature and to critically evaluate the material and appraise competing theories.
• An understanding of the importance of the cellular information to cell function and homeostasis.

Teaching Information

Asynchronous lectures and synchronous discussion sessions.

Assessment Information

Assessment for learning (formative)

Students will undertake a mock assessment exercise.

Assessment of learning (summative)

The unit will be assessed as follows:

• 100% a timed assessment in May/June.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. BIOC30602).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.