Module Information

Aim: To introduce students from a range of different backgrounds to biological cells, their component parts and the molecules that make up those parts. To ensure the students understand the basic molecular mechanisms in cells. Enable students to use molecular biology techniques to produce, purify and analyse molecules in cells.

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to cell biology and biochemistry, specifically to enable the student to move into research related to these areas. An entire degree cannot be replaced by a 5 week course so instead basic information is supplemented with exercises designed to enable students to further their learning independently.

Syllabus:

• Cell Biology:
  - introduction to cell structure for eukaryotes and prokaryotes
  - molecular mechanisms of communication in cells

• Molecular Biology:
  - introduction to biomolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, small molecules and their structures
  - cellular and extracellular environments of molecules; cell metabolism
  - intermolecular assemblies in cells: membranes, cytoskeleton and trafficking

• Molecular Biology Techniques:
  - introduction to laboratory work in general and biological laboratory work in particular
  - bio-analysis of nucleic acids: agarose gel electrophoresis; enzymes which operate on DNA - principles and diagnostic applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
  - applications of DNA/RNA technology: genomics

 Illustrative Bibliography:

1. "Molecular Biology of the Cell", Alberts et al (Garland Science); esp. Chapters 2, 5, 11, 12, 15, 17
2. "Biochemistry", Voet and Voet (Wiley)