Molecular and Cellular Sciences
Module code: BS1081
This module will lay the groundwork, providing an understanding of how cells function, communicate, divide, and maintain themselves. This is the basis for understanding how drugs work, how certain diseases (such as cancer) develop and how tissues and organs function.
In this module you will cover two main course elements:
Medical Cell Biology and Genetics
This course element will introduce you to the fundamental principles of medically related cell biology and molecular and clinical genetics. Key topics covered include:
- Cellular compartments and ultrastructure
- Introduction to biological molecules, including oxygen carrying proteins, plasma proteins, selected clinically important enzymes and DNA
- Biochemical pathways and reactions
- DNA, genes, and chromosomes
- Cell division
- Allelic variation and Inheritance
- DNA mutation
- Population genetics and epigenetics
- Overview of genetic testing modalities
Introduction to Cell Physiology and Pharmacology
This course element will cover the medically and clinically related fundamental principles of cellular and molecular physiology that form the basis for the understanding of pharmacology (use of drugs to treat human disease). Key topics covered include:
- Cell membrane transport
- Intercellular and intracellular signalling and excitable cells
- Exploitation of cellular targets as drug targets
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics