THE MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL

THE MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
Course Code
MB 3003
Credit Points
30
Course Coordinator
Professor L A Glover

Pre-requisites

BI 2002, BI 20M1 and BI 25M1. BI 2504 and BI 25M4 are strongly recommended.

Overview

The course provides a comprehensive, molecular biological guide to the workings of the cell, emphasising how component biological processes within the cell interact and link. Drawing on a range of examples from bacterial to higher eukaryote cells, the course leads from the structure and function of DNA, through transcription, into protein synthesis. The folding and cellular targeting of proteins are considered in the context of the cell biology and functioning of organelles such as the nucleus. Finally, cell communication with the environment via signal transduction mechanisms links logically with a section on the cell cycle, the regulation of cell division and apoptosis.

Students must pass both the course work and examination parts of the course.

Structure

The formal teaching comprises 5 one-hour lectures per week, 4 three-hour laboratories during the course and 1 two-hour tutorial. In-course assessment will consist of a practical report and 2 essays written under examination conditions.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%). Oral examination for borderline candidates. Resit: As for main exam.