Biochemistry and molecular biology of disease
Professor Phillip Nagley
12 points * Four 1-hour lectures, one 6-hour practical and one 1-hour tutorial per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: BCH3031 * Prohibition: BCH3022
Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand the biochemistry and molecular biology of cellular membranes and the formation and function of cellular organelles; comprehend the molecular aspects of cell proliferation, cell signalling, differentiation and cell death; achieve a detailed understanding of the biochemistry and molecular biology of human and other organisms relevant to the appreciation of a range of human diseases; comprehend the basis of many types of human disease in terms of the disruption of normal processes of cells and tissues; recognise the application of biochemistry and molecular biology to the diagnosis and treatment of selected medical conditions; achieve a broad view of the importance of the discipline to current advances in biology and medicine; develop skills in the use of routine biochemistry laboratory equipment and in advanced biochemical and molecular biological techniques; manipulate and interpret biochemical data; find information in the scientific literature on particular topics in biochemistry and molecular biology; prepare a substantial written work on a topic in biochemistry and molecular biology; develop skills in the communication of scientific information by verbal and written means and by poster displays.
Synopsis This subject is presented as three main themes based on cellular and molecular biology and the relevance to human disease: (i) biochemistry and molecular biology of cell membrane systems - structure, function and formation of plasma membrane, cytoskeleton and nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus and lysosomes, mitochondria and peroxisomes; (ii) cell proliferation, cell signalling, differentiation and cell death - regulation of cell growth and the cell cycle, cancer, signal transduction in terms of structure and function of receptors and second messenger systems, the immune system and cell differentiation, cell death in relation to apoptosis, necrosis and oxidative stress; (iii) biochemistry and molecular biology as a powerful tool in medicine - diseases involving extracellular matrix, signalling disorders in the endocrine context, molecular biology of host-parasite relationships. Practical training extends the student's skill in modern and advanced techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Assessment Essay: 25% * Examinations (2x2 hours): 60% * Laboratory: 15%
Prescribed texts
Alberts B and others Molecular biology of the cell 3rd edn, Garland, 1994
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