Level 3
- MB 3003 - THE MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
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- Credit Points
- 30
- Course Coordinator
- Dr C K Pearson
Pre-requisites
BI 2002, BI 20M1 and BI 25M1. BI 2504 and BI 25M3 are strongly recommended.
Overview
The course provides a comprehensive, molecular biological guide to the workings of the cell, emphasising how component biological processes within the cell interact and link. Drawing on a range of examples from bacterial to higher eukaryote cells, the course leads from the structure and function of DNA, through transcription, into protein synthesis. The folding and cellular targeting of proteins are considered in the context of the cell biology and functioning of organelles such as the nucleus. Finally, cell communication with the environment via signal transduction mechanisms links logically with a section on the cell cycle, the regulation of cell division and apoptosis.
4 one-hour lectures, 6 three-hour laboratories during the course and 1 one-hour tutorial every 2 weeks.
1 three-hour examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%). Oral examination for borderline candidates.
Students must pass both the course work and examination parts of the course.
Level 4
- MB 4003 - HONOURS MOLECULAR BIOLOGY A
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- Credit Points
- 60
- Course Coordinator
- Dr I Stansfield and Dr B Connolly
Pre-requisites
BC 3804, BT 3004, GN 3502 and MB 3003.
Co-requisites
MB 4503
Overview
The formal teaching comprises a core lecture programme (thread 1) plus two options (thread 2) (15 hours contact time). The core (45 1 hour lectures) covers advanced aspects of protein structure, gene expression, developmental biology, cell biology and genome organisation and analysis. Each option will involve detailed work from the original literature under the supervision of 1-3 members of staff. Students are required to take one Genetics option and one Biochemistry option. Three essays will be written and examined. One essay will be drawn from the Genetics list and the other from Biochemistry. All students are required to prepare for, and to attend, a reading party in the week prior to term. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of Department.
45 hours lectures over ten weeks (core lecture programme) plus 30 hours further contact time (covering two options) and two one-hour tutorials.
2 @ 3 hours examination at end Semester 1 (73%) and continuous assessment (27%). - MB 4503 - HONOURS MOLECULAR BIOLOGY B
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- Credit Points
- 60
- Course Coordinator
- Dr I Stansfield and Dr B Connolly
Pre-requisites
BC 3804, BT 3004, GN 3502 and MB 3003.
Co-requisites
MB 4003
Overview
The core element of the course is a research project that involves 9 weeks laboratory work, starting one week prior to the beginning of Semester 2, and production of a thesis. Assessment is on the basis of the performance in the laboratory, the thesis, and the project seminar. A project essay covers the subject of the laboratory research will be completed and assessed as part of the Semester 1 Honours course. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 25 hours in the laboratory each week. Two research tutorials will be organised by academic staff and will be assessed by examination at the end of Semester. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of Department.
9 weeks project work @ 25 hours per week.
1 @ 2 hours, 1 @ 3 hours and 1 @ 4 hours examination at end Semester 2 (62%); continuous assessment (38%).