Module Code - Title:
BC4907
-
CELL BIOCHEMISTRY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
BC4905
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce current advanced topics in cell and molecular biochemistry and utilise these to probe modes of intervention in developing targeted approached to future pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. To illustrate how an in-depth understanding of molecular biochemistry can aid in identifying new targets for further analysis.
Syllabus:
Review of cell structure, organisation. The concept of cell signalling, signal transduction and cell communication pathways. Receptor biochemistry in cell signalling. The cell cycle as a signal process. Oncogenes and the molecular basis of cancer, its relationship to cell signalling. Cancer as a genetic disorder. Apoptosis and programmed cell death. Identification of cancer targets for targeted interventions.
The eukaryotic chromosome- structure and the nature of eukaryotic DNA. Repetitive DNA. Control of transcription in eukaryotes. The transcription machinery and role of eukaryotic transcription factors. Splicing in eukaryotes. The concept of genetics medicines to alter gene expression. CRISPR as a tool for genetic medicine. RNA interference and silencing.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will:
1. Define the cell in molecular terms as a system with interacting functional parts.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how signal transduction occurs in eukaryotes.
3. Define cancer in molecular terms.
4. Describe the process of gene organization, structure, and expression in eukaryotes.
5. Describe the tool kit of targeted interventions.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of signal transduction in major diseases such as cancer.
2. Apply this knowledge to other systems.
3. Recognize how an in-depth understanding of such processes can lead to rational interventions with targeted approaches.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will:
1. Formulate hypotheses for new drug targets biochemical interventions and molecular approaches based on this understanding.
2. Define and identify key targets for molecular medicines.
3. Formulate an understanding of the cell as a holistic entity.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught via lecture and tutorial and via the use of tailored case studies in applied areas of cell biochemistry. These will be used to outline the importance of the key areas addressed during the course. Following the lecture course the student will be given the opportunity to apply the knowledge obtained to address the issue of drug development based on the information given and challenged to look at other systems and how these might be addressed in a similar fashion. This will involve an individual student poster presentation open to faculty. The course will rely heavily on current research findings with extensive use made of new material published in the relevant research journals.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Voet, D, and Voet, J G CW Pratt (2018)
Principles of Biochemistry
, Wiley
Nelson DL and Cox MM Lehninger (2017)
Principles of Biochemistry
, Freeman
Alberts, B (2015)
Molecular Biology of the Cell
, Garland Publishers
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
kieran.mcgourty@ul.ie