Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LM Cell Communication in Health and Disease
School	Cancer Studies
Department	Inst of Cancer / Genomic Sci
Module Code	02 38641
Module Lead	Dr Elena Odintsova/ Dr Fedor Berditchevski
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites	Cancer and Stratified Medicine - (02 27785)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-17 hours Seminar-3 hours Tutorial-5 hours Practical Classes and workshops-12 hours External Visits-2 hours Guided independent study-161 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This course will give an overview of the common types of the receptors present on the cell surface with the emphasis on cell communications with the microenvironment. Cell behaviour is largely determined by the signals to which it is exposed in the immediate surroundings. These signals are transmitted inside the cell through various transmembrane receptors. Attention will be focused on changes in cellular responses to outside factors in disease, and will focus on the major groups of receptors involved (i.e., GPCR, adhesion receptors, receptor type kinases etc.). An overview of therapeutic approaches to targeting abnormal intercellular communication will be given. The module contains a variety of integrated learning environments, including interactive lectures, distinct seminars which will focus on research articles, as well as tutorials to explain and give feedback on aspects of assessment. A lab visit to a NHS lab (Pathology) will reinforce the clinical relevance of the topic, whereas a laboratory practical will provide deeper understanding of experimental approaches appropriate to the topic.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate critical understanding of the latest advances in research of mechanisms underlying cellular communication in various tissues. Demonstrate critical understanding of defects in intercellular communication, and their contribution to the development of disease Exhibit an advanced understanding of different technologies and experimental methods used to study molecules and processes vital in cell-to-cell communication Display an ability to apply theoretical knowledge and acquired skills to formulate experimental design, and present, analyse and interpret experimental data Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate original scientific papers, including information regarding experimental approaches, study design, data interpretation and analysis.
Assessment	38641-01 : Overall Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Examination: two from four questions(DIQ/Essay), 2 hours 50% (Semester 1) Course Work 50% (Semester 1) The coursework component includes: Written Experimental Interpretation in a format of short paper communication The overall pass mark for the module is 50% It is a requirement that students achieve a mark of at least 50% in their summative exam. Failure to submit: Submission of coursework is compulsory for the programme. Students are advised that failure to submit without justifiable reason could result in failure of the module. Students will be required to submit outstanding work to meet the module outcomes. In the event of failure of a module students will have a further opportunity to retrieve lost credit and the mark capped at the pass mark at the next available opportunity.
Other
Reading List