MED1031

Cell and molecular biology I

(MED)

Associate Professor R A Bywater (Physiology)

Synopsis: Introduction to the techniques used in cellular biology research. The components of mammalian cells and how cells are formed into tissues. The basis of classification of micro-organisms and its importance in the diagnosis of infectious disease. The replication of prokaryotic cells, the mechanisms of antibiotic drug resistance and the nature of viruses and how they replicate. The distribution of body water and electrolytes including the concepts of osmolarity and tonicity. The structure of the plasma membrane and how this relates to the transport of substances across it. The electrical properties of a typical mammalian nerve cell.

Assessment: Examination (2 hrs): 100%