Molecular Cell Biology

CATS

Duration

5 weeks

Teaching methods

You will learn through a mix of seminars, practical classes and self-directed study

Assessment

1x laboratory report

1 x In-person exam

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INS Modules

Molecular Cell Biology

The module aims to achieve a more in depth understanding of the basics of molecular biology. Students will understand the organisation and complexity of the sequence constitution of chromosomes in both Pro- and Eukaryotes. They will be able to place this understanding into the context of chromatin remodelling, and will be introduced into the molecular biology of epigenetics. Students will gain an understanding of the mechanism of other layers of post-transcriptional/translational/post-translational control. They will be introduced into modern molecular methods and how they are used to study modern biological problems.

Understanding the biology of eukaryotic organisms requires knowledge of their organisation and operation at the cellular level. An appreciation of the means by which cells perform their many functions is a prerequisite for detailed study of the underlying biochemistry. This module does not cover the entire range of subjects that could be included under the heading of Cell Biology but concentrates on key areas to illustrate principles and to allow students access to the wider range of information available in modern texts.

After completing the module, you will be able to:

Students will understand the organisation and complexity of the sequence constitution of chromosomes in both Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
They will be able to understand how genes are controlled by building on the basics learnt in LF130 on the nature of transcriptional control.
They will be able to place this understanding into the context of chromatin remodelling, and will be introduced into the molecular biology of epigenetics
Students will gain an understanding of the mechanism of other layers of post-transcriptional/translational/post-translational control
They will be introduced into modern molecular methods and how they are used to study modern biological problems
Students will gain a detailed understanding of the biology that underlies the fundamental cellular processes of such as the control of cellular activities, the major forms of the cytoskeleton and the process of cell death
The principles that underpin the current understanding of these processes and their impact on development and disease form the basis of this module