Download MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2013-2014 Module BI3805 Proteins & Drugs (5 ECTs)

MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2013-2014
JUNIOR SOPHISTER YEAR:
Module BI3805 Proteins & Drugs (5 ECTs)
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

Recall and comprehend key knowledge and concepts of the hierarchy of polypeptide structure
and the forces that stabilize the three-dimensional shape of proteins

Explain the link between a protein structure and its biological activity, and with appropriate
examples, how human diseases arise from a deviation in structure

Organize enzymes into various classes and demonstrate the ability to critically develop an
assay of biological activity

Define the mechanism of enzyme inhibitors and propose how this can be exploited for drug
therapy

Describe the complex kinetics of multi-substrate catalytic reactions and identify and compare
the assays utilized to study the mechanisms

Recognize the functional groups of proteins, and explain how the chemistry is linked to
biological function.

Define the processes of drug target identification, validation and development

Demonstrate and understanding of the chemical structure and interactions among molecular
components of the cell

Define the sites of drug action in DNA/RNA, enzymes and receptors and the procedures used
in developing of new drug entities
Module BI3806 Cell Biology (5 ECTs)
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

Define the role of the endocrine system in the regulation of metabolic, excretory and
reproductive processes in mammals.

Demonstrate how the endocrine and neural systems co-operate in the physiological responses
of an organism to a variety of stressors.

Describe the evidence for and methods used to determine the asymmetric distribution of
membrane proteins within the bilayer structure.

Describe the factors that determine the mobility of membrane proteins and explain the role
their mobility has in signal and energy transduction.

Demonstrate knowledge of the biosynthesis of membrane proteins and the mechanisms of
insertion and transport to their various final locations.

Compare and contrast the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic membrane transporters;
explain the various mechanisms of membrane transport, the procedures for assaying
membrane transport and describe the way membrane potentials and ion gradients are
generated and used physiologically.

Describe the structure and function of tubulin, the two microtubular motors and the major
microtubular accessory proteins.

Explain the mechanism and regulation of the assembly and disassembly of microtubules and
the role of microtubule organizing centers and nucleotides.

Explain the mechanism of both anterograde and retrograde cytoplasmic streaming.

Discuss the tubulin gene families and the regulation of their expression.

Describe the polymerisation, structure, function and biomedical relevance of Intermediate
Filaments.

Describe the structure and function of the actin cytoskeleton in non-muscle cells.

Explain how the assembly and disassembly of actin filaments is regulated.

Identify cells, receptors and soluble components of the innate immune system and how they
function to eliminate pathogen.
Module BI3807 Disease & Development (5 ECTs)
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

Appraise the principles of developmental biology, the genes that regulate development and
how this relates to the understanding of human disease.

Define the causes and epidemiology of cancer and the methods used in its diagnosis and
treatment.

Identify how the immune system develops, responds to pathogens and aquires memory.

Define the clinical features of inflammation and how the inflammatory process modulates
response to pathogens.

Discuss how animal models of the inflammatory process have contributed to a greater
understanding of human disease.
Module BI 3130 Nucleic Acids 5 (ECTs)
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

Recall and integrate key knowledge and concepts about nucleic acid structure and function.

Recognise the functional groups of nucleic acids and relate how the chemistry is linked to
biological function.

Demonstrate an understanding of the process and importance of DNA replication.

Compare and contrast how gene expression is regulated in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and
demonstrate an understanding of the processes and importance of transcription and
translation.

Recall and integrate key knowledge and concepts about DNA repair mechanisms.

Relate the theory behind techniques used in recombinant DNA technology and evaluate how
these techniques can be applied to biological problems.
Module BI 3100 Practicals and Data Interpretation (30 ECTs)
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

Setup and manage standard laboratory equipment correctly, safely and in the appropriate
context.

Demonstrate an understanding of the theory behind the techniques used in practical classes.

Apply the principles and techniques of practical biochemistry to the investigation of
biochemical problems.

Construct a clear scientific record of experiments and the data generated in experiments in a
laboratory notebook and critically assess the data.

Explain the importance of experimental controls and multiple determinations.

Work independently and in a team and exercise initiative and personal responsibility.

Participate in group discussions with peers and with teachers.

Compose a review article on a chosen topic using the published literature.

Select and apply appropriate statistical tests to their own experimental data and evaluate the
results of these tests.