All living organisms on earth and of course, humans, rely on the specific structures and chemical reactions to maintain life. Understanding these molecular processes and cell structures is basis of medical science. We will explore the structure and function of cells and cover subjects from basic energy metabolism in microorganisms to higher order structures of mammalian cells. The course also aims to illustrate how multidisciplinary approaches will be crucial for the new post genomic research era, depending not only on classic biology and biochemistry but also mathematics and physics. On completion of the module, students will have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cell.
A Understand the diversity of living organisms B Describe the structures and functions of the principal macromolecules of cells C Understand the structures of DNA and RNA as well as their replication, transcription and translation D Explain energy metabolism in microorganisms and animals E Understand the structures and roles of carbohydrates F Describe the structures and roles of lipids and cell membranes G Explain intracellular structures, including organelles, cytoskeleton and molecular motors
Course content will be delivered primarily via standard lectures that will be accompanied by suitable lecture handouts (also available on LMO). Students will also be guided to sections of specific textbooks and if reading of specific reviews or source literature is required, then copies of these will be made available to the students.