Description
翱耻迟濒颈苍别:听This foundation module will introduce you to general ideas of how life is organized (and studied) at progressively larger scales: from biomolecules and cells, to organisms, to biomes. You will learn about structure and function of biopolymers, how they are organized and integrated to build cells, how cells, tissues and organs are regulated and coordinated in organisms, how organisms evolve to interact with the physical and biological environment, and about the genetic basis of these processes.
Learning Outcomes:
1) Appreciate some of the complexity and diversity of life processes, of the genetics and evolution of organisms, and of the interrelationships between them and their environment.
2) Have an understanding of basic statistical concepts used to analyse and draw conclusions from biological datasets.
3) Make an informed choice on which (if any) of the four Life Sciences 鈥渟treams鈥 you wish to select (Molecular and Cell Biology; Biomedical Sciences; Neuroscience and Psychology; Genetics, Evolution, Environment).
Indicative lecture topics (based on content in recent years):
A) Introductory molecular biology and protein structure/function
Introduction, nucleic acids and transcription
DNA replication & amino acids
Proteins
Enzymes and metabolism
B) Basic cell physiology, signal transduction and neurobiology
Signalling and Receptors
Processes at membranes (carriers, pumps, channels)
Membrane potential
Introduction to the nervous system (neurons, action potentials, propagation; organisation)
C) Selected topics in genetics, evolution and environment
Natural selection in living colour, Climate change and coral reefs
Ageing.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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