- Course Code
- MB 3005
- Credit Points
- 30
- Course Coordinator
- Dr I Stansfield
Pre-requisites
BI 2002, BI 20M3 and BI 25M1. BI 25M5 is 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 context of the cell biology and functioning of organelles such as the nucleus. Finally, cell communication with the environment via signal transduction mechanisms links with a section on the cell cycle, the regulation of cell division and apoptosis.
Students must pass the course overall, comprising a composite pass mark made up of in-course and formal examination elements.
Structure
The formal teaching comprises 4 one-hour lectures per week, 1 two-hour workshop per fortnight, 4 three-hour practicals during the course and 1 two-hour tutorial. In-course assessment will consist of a practical report, 4 essays (2 written under examination conditions), and 2 data handling exercises written under examination conditions.
Assessment
1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (50%) and in-course assessment (50%). Oral examination for borderline candidates.
Resit: 1 two-hour examination (50%) and in-course assessment (50%). Oral examination for borderline candidates.