521-213 Integrated Biomedical Science I

600-131 Biomed: Molecules, Cells & Organisms and 600-132 Biomed: Genetics & Biodiversity

This multidisciplinary subject deals with a blend of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, tissue biology and physiology, which aims to develop knowledge of the relationship between the structure and function of the major classes of biomolecules, higher ordered structures and cells, as well as the contribution these molecules make to cellular, tissue and whole systems biology.

The biochemistry component will consist of 36 lectures on the following topics: chemistries and solution properties of the major classes of biological compounds; structure and function of proteins, lipids, biological membranes and nucleic acids; enzymology and the biochemistry of digestion and absorption; and introduction to recombinant DNA technology.

The cell and tissue biology stream (24 lectures) will concentrate initially on the histology and ultrastructure of cells and basic tissue types, epithelium, muscle, nerve, haemopoietic and connective tissues; and then consider the organisation of the major organs and the structure and function of cellular organelles, cytoskeletal structures and the extracellular matrix.

The introductory physiology stream (12 lectures) will concentrate on mammalian (especially human) physiology and build on comparative aspects covered in first year biomedical biology core subjects. The focus will be on the building blocks: homeostasis, the relationship between organs and organ systems, cell physiology, excitable cells and electrolyte transport. The practical work will be designed to develop basic experimental, data analysis and interpretation skills in biochemistry, physiology and cell and tissue biology techniques.

Two 2-hour end-of-semester examinations on the theory and practical work (70%); laboratory practical work (15%); two short written assignments (each 500 words) and computer-based tests (15%)