BC5102 - Advanced Cell Biology

Available to students only with permission of the Head of Discipline of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Available to students only with permission of the Head of Discipline of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This subject builds on the principles and concepts introduced in BC2013 and BC2024 and focuses on how eukaryotic cells are regulated at the molecular and genetic level. Topics covered include intracellular structures, signal transduction, protein sorting and translocation, the cytoskeleton, the cell cycle, apoptosis, molecular immunology and the molecular biology of cancer. Advanced cell biology is important to a wide range of current biomedical and genetic research because it describes much of the biochemical basis for modern treatment and prophylaxis approaches. The lectures and practical sessions of this subject are focused on providing a background in molecular biomedicine to compete effectively in the job market. The first half of semester covers the structures and biochemistry 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 bases of four complex biological systems: tumour biology, disease, immune responses to foreign proteins (allergies) and to infectious diseases (parasites).The subject concludes with a look to the past leading to emerging technologies and their impact on the field of biomedical science.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:;
• Demonstrate a working conceptual knowledge of modern molecular cell biology at a depth appropriate for third year undergraduate studies;
• Relate how the structure of membranes is essential in determining their function and ability to communicate with the external environment and apply the differential signal processes involved in the communication of proteins and cells; Examine the role of the innate and adaptive immune system in inflammatory and infectious diseases and illustrate the detailed processes whereby cells divide and how they die (apoptosis);
• Demonstrate laboratory skills in the manipulation and analysis of cells and cellular biomolecules;
• Demonstrate competence in scientific writing and numeracy, which includes scientific/critical thinking, formulation of hypotheses and planning for testing an hypothesis; Analyse scientific evidence and ability to draw logical conclusions: work independently; source and reference reliable scientific literature and appraise and critique current research.

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.