GG3102 - Molecular Cell Biology

This subject is available for students interested in the regulation of eukaryotic organisms at the molecular and genetic level. Those enrolling in physiology, botany, zoology, microbiology, aquaculture or chemistry majors will also gain much from studying this subject. The lectures and practical sessions are focused on providing background in molecular biomedicine and molecular genetics to compete effectively in the job market. The first half of semester covers the structures, biochemistry and genetic controls of basic cell functions (division, death, movement, production and responsiveness) while the second half integrates this knowledge to develop a working understanding of the molecular genetic basis of two complex biological systems: immune reactivity and tumour biology.

Learning Outcomes

• a molecular genetics understanding of the following cellular processes: cell division, cell death, cell movements and organelle trafficking, cell molecular synthesis and cell responsiveness;
• the ability to synthesise the knowledge of cellular processes into and understanding of complex biological phenomena; the specific examples of immune responsiveness and tumour biology will be taught but students should be able to extend the process to other areas of human biology and genetics;
• an ability to discuss complex biological phenomena at the molecular genetic level.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to generate, calculate, interpret and communicate numerical information in ways appropriate to a given discipline or discourse;
• The ability to work individually and independently.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.