BMS3021

Molecular medicine

6 points · 3 lectures per week and 3 hours practical or equivalent · First semester · Clayton

Objectives The aim of this subject is to provide an understanding of the basic concepts in cell and molecular biology and their relevance and application in biomedical sciences and clinical medicine. At the completion of this subject, students should (1) have a detailed understanding of the 'language' of cell and molecular biology, (2) have the theoretical and practical knowledge to carry out basic laboratory procedures in cell and molecular biology (3) have a sound understanding of how cell and molecular biology advances our knowledge in biomedical science, eg cell division, growth and differentiation and (4) the use of cell and molecular biology in clinical medicine, eg manufacture of vaccines, gene-therapy, development of diagnostic kits.

Synopsis This subject will cover the theoretical and practical aspects of cell and molecular biology and its application in biomedical research and clinical sciences. Theoretical and practical sessions will cover advanced concepts of cell function, control of gene transcription and translation, and manipulation of DNA and RNA. Students will learn how nucleic acids are isolated for study, cutting and pasting DNA, making RNA from DNA. Molecular techniques will include blotting, hybridisation, transfection and transformation, DNA and RNA analysis, how transgenic and knockout animals are created. From this basic background students will learn the impact of cell and molecular biology on genetic diseases, finding abnormal genes in human diseases, and the human genome project. The final part focuses on molecular medicine in practice. This will include the manufacture of recombinant proteins for clinical applications, the use of monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis, screening the population for genetic diseases, gene therapy for treatment of cancer and other diseases, the production of vaccines, and advanced treatments for AIDS and malaria.

Assessment Theory examination: 70% · Practical examination: 30%

Prescribed texts

Bradley J and others Molecular medicine Blackwell Science, 1995

Back to the 1999 Medicine Handbook