Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledescript/in
dex.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Molecular Cell Biology & Infection
Module code
3260
Module Organiser
Dr Theresa Ward
Contact email
Theresa.Ward@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ).
Credit
LSHTM award 15 credits on successful completion of this module.
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body.
Keywords
Host-pathogen interactions; intracellular pathogens; bacterial infections;
innate immunity; cell biology; membrane trafficking; cytoskeleton; microscopy.
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To provide students with an understanding of the key aspects of the cell
biology of mammalian cells, particularly cells of the immune system, and how
this relates to the establishment and survival of intracellular microorganisms.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
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Target audience
Evaluate the diversity of host cell-pathogen interactions;
Demonstrate an understanding of the cytoskeleton and cellular events it
regulates;
Distinguish the triggers and mechanisms of endocytosis / phagocytosis and
of the secretory pathway;
Describe the molecular signals governing cell cycle control;
Compare how various microbes utilise, distort, subvert, or are influenced
by the host cell biology during infection, either by the host cell cycle or by
membrane trafficking;
Critically assess and analyse the methodology for studying molecular cell
biology and infection.
This module is intended for students wishing to focus in depth on the cell
biology of the host-pathogen relationship, and those wishing to gain further
insight into general mammalian cell biology.
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CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics in
the context of cells with and without pathogens (though please note that these
may be subject to change):
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Cell cycle control ;
Endocytosis, phagocytosis and vacuoles;
Exocytosis and cytoskeleton;
Trypanosomes and cell survival mechanisms;
Light and electron microscopy;
Ethics of data analysis and presentation.
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
Lecture handouts will be provided.
Teaching and learning
methods
Primarily by lectures, for introductory material, and by structured discussion
involving student presentations.
Assessment details
Assessment will be a short answer test at the end of the module based on data
analysis and material covered in lectures and presentations. (100% 1.5 hours)
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the task will be a short answer test based on data analysis and material covered
in lectures and presentations. (100% 1.5 hours)
Assessment dates
Assessments will take place on 20 May 2016.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the next assessment date will be the School-recommended date in mid/late
September 2016.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 5 weeks at 2.5 days per week; this module runs between
Wednesday morning and Friday lunchtime.
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Wednesday 20 April 2016 and finish on
Friday 20 May 2016.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot E.
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule. For full-time students, other LSHTM
modules are available in the other half of the week for the C and D slots.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 150 hours, consisting of:
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Contact time ≈ 32 hours
Directed self-study ≈ 32 hours
Self-directed learning ≈ 41 hours
Assessment, review and revision ≈ 45 hours
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APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
A basic understanding of cell biology is required.
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are typically 10-20 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students and LSHTM research degree
students. Other applicants meeting the entry criteria will usually be offered a
place in the order applications are received, until any cap on numbers is
reached. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list and given priority the next
time the module is run.
Full Registration (full participation) by LSHTM research degree students is
required for this module, although the assessment for research degrees
students is optional.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:
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For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline (for Term
2 and 3 modules) is Friday 20 November 2015.
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If registering specifically for this module, applications should be submitted
at least 8 weeks prior to the start of the module. Formal registration will
take place on the morning of the first day of the module.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16
Last revised 4 July 2014 by Theresa Ward; Minor amendments 20 July 15 SDB
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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