511-121 Introduction to Biomedical Science

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Subject Description

This subject provides an overview of whole body structure and function, cellular structure and function, the importance of genes, proteins and biological membranes and the homeostatic mechanisms involved at the molecular, cellular and corporate level.

On completion of this subject, students should have an understanding or appreciation of the principles of the relationship between chemical structure and function of proteins; the structure and function of biomembranes; the molecular basis of human genetics, chromosome replication, gene function, regulation and mutation; the function of genes involved in the normal processes determining cellular growth and proliferation and the relationship between abnormalities in these genes and the development of cancer; the relationship between normal cellular growth and function; the structure and function of different cell types and how they interact in organ systems; the organisation into systems of anatomical structures which contribute to a common function; whole body structure and function; the range of normality in structure and function of cells, organs and the human body; control systems in cells and organs of the normal human body; development, growth and ageing; the major types of disease processes; the characteristics and behaviour of micro-organisms and their relationship to infectious diseases; bacterial and viral chromosome replication and gene expression and the relevance of these processes to the application of antibiotics in disease treatment; and immune response to infection.

Assessment

One 3-hour written examination and one 1500 word assignment.