BTH3741 - Medical aspects of cell biology

Leader: Dr Phillip Brook-Carter

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2007 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2007 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

The unit examines the pathways by which cells receive external information and process this into specific biochemical responses. A diverse set of cellular processes is studied with the aim of highlighting the normal control mechanisms and the consequences of dysfunction. Themes including cell cycle, apoptosis, haematopoiesis and HIV/AIDS are considered and similarities of molecular disease aetiology highlighted. Methods of clinical diagnosis are introduced and incorporated into the laboratory work, which is designed to illustrate concepts of the theory.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will understand endocrine control of cellular processes; appreciate the biochemical perturbations in some important disease states; appreciate the use of biochemical and spectroscopic techniques in the diagnosis of disease; be able to plan and execute complex biochemical laboratory procedures; demonstrate proficiency in the interpretation of complex data acquired by biochemical and spectroscopic techniques; demonstrate basic competence in the safe handling of hazardous biological materials and radioisotopes.

Assessment

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

Contact hours

Three hours of lectures per week and 40 hours laboratory work per semester

Prerequisites

BTH2752 or BCH2022

Prohibitions

BTH3746, BCH3021, BCH3042