BTH3746

Medical aspects of cell biology

(SCI)

6 points + First semester + Three hours of lectures per week and 40 hours laboratory work per semester + Gippsland/Distance + Prerequisites: BTH2757 or ASC2657 or BCH2022 or BCH2042 + Prohibitions: ASC3646, BCH3022, BCH3042

Synopsis: The subject introduces a range of mammalian signalling strategies, and views a selection of hormonal controls as specific examples of these. The biochemistry of a number of important disease states is explored, with particular emphasis on diabetes, heart disease, cancer and AIDS. The biochemical basis of some anti-viral therapies is examined, as well as methods of clinical diagnosis such as NMR, immunoassay and automated analysis. Laboratory work is designed to introduce modern analytical procedures and to illustrate key concepts of the theory.

Assessment: Final examination (3 hours): 50% + Major Assignment (5000 words): 20% + Practical work: 30% + A pass in both theory and practical work is mandatory