Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title The Multicellular Organism: tissues, development, regeneration and aging
Code LIFE205
Coordinator Prof A Morgan
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Amorgan@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

Extend students'' knowledge of the structure and function of fundamental tissues, such as epithelial and connective tissue and of specialised tissues; 

Develop students'' ability to discuss the mechanisms by which cells differentiate to form different tissues;

Equip students to explain the processes that occur during ageing with special reference to changes in key tissues such as the brain;

Develop knowledge and understanding in human biology, and ability to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems in that subject.< /div>


Learning Outcomes

Classify and compare the major types of epithelia and, explain the role of cell-cell interactions in tissue structure and the structure and function of fundamental tissues

Discuss and compare the molecular mechanisms involved in development of selected organs, and their cellular structure and organisation and explain the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the regeneration of key organs.
Explain and discuss mechanisms of ageing using selected systems as exemplars.

Describe the experimental basis underpinning the current understanding of tissue biology.


Syllabus

Multicellularity: progression from unicellular to multicellular organisms, underlying concepts of cell differentiation, paradigms of specialised tissue formation.

Cell interactions: including intercellular signaling, cell adhesion molecules , cell-matrix, links to cell fate.
 
Epithelia: fundamental characteristics (polarity, cell junctions, specializations); key exemplars of epithelia, including skin.
 
Connective tissue: Cells and composition of extracellular matrix.

Nervous system, neurogenesis, neuronal survival, circuit formation and basic brain anatomy; cell biology of neurons; glial cell differentiation and function; injury and regeneration of peripheral and the central nervous systems.
 
Kidney: Mechanisms of development, disease and regeneration
 
Muscle: Development, structure and function of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle cells. Innervation of muscle, molecular regulation of contraction, regeneration, specialisation of function of muscle fibres, plasticity and training. Muscular dystrophy.

Skeleton: Structure and function of the skeleton. Composition of matrix. Chondrocytes and chondroblasts. Development, growth and degeneration of cartilage. Osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes. Endochondral and intramembranous ossification. Bone modelling and remodelling.

Ageing: Descriptions and definitions of ageing, Why do organisms age? Theories of ageing, manipulation of ageing, retardation of ageing by environmental factors.

Ageing epithelial tissue: Effects of ageing on skin. 

The ageing skeleton: Arthritis, osteoarthritis, bone loss and osteoporosis.

The ageing brain: Normal cognitive ageing versus dementia, age-related neurodegenerative diseases (eg Alzheimer’s  Huntington’s, Parkinson’s).


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Lecture

This refers to timetabled lectures

Workshop - Interactive session

These refer to interactive revision sessions, essay tutorials and exam preparation workshops


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 23
Lecture
        7
Interactive session
30
Timetable (if known) This refers to timetabled lectures
 
        These refer to interactive revision sessions, essay tutorials and exam preparation workshops
 
 
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen Written Exam  2 hours  Semester 1  80  Yes    End of module exam 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework  1500 words  Semester 1  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  In-course essay Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 will be objective assessments and extended written exercises. Assessment 2 will be a written essay to be submitted around week 9. Marks for the assessments are aggregated.  

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: