Lecture

Molecular Biology III

Molecular Biology III examines complex processes in molecular biology, covering:

  • The role of regulatory elements in gene expression.
  • Advanced techniques for studying gene function.
  • The interplay between genetics and environmental factors.

This module highlights the dynamic nature of genetic regulation and its implications for evolution and adaptation.


Course Lectures
  • This module serves as an introduction to the core concepts of biology, emphasizing the applications of these principles in real-world scenarios. Students will explore:

    • Basic biochemistry and its relevance to living organisms.
    • Key genetic principles that govern heredity and variation.
    • The structure and function of cells and their components.
    • Understanding of how microorganisms play vital roles in ecological systems.

    By the end of this module, students will appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of biology and its applications in fields such as medicine and environmental science.

  • Biochemistry I
    Graham Walker

    Biochemistry I delves into the molecular foundation of life. This module covers:

    • The structure and function of biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
    • Enzymatic activity and its regulation.
    • Metabolic pathways and their significance in cellular functions.

    This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the biochemical processes that sustain life.

  • Biochemistry II
    Graham Walker

    In Biochemistry II, students will build upon the knowledge gained in the previous module, focusing on:

    • Advanced metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
    • Energy transfer mechanisms within cells.
    • The role of coenzymes and cofactors in biochemical reactions.

    This module aims to deepen students' understanding of the intricate biochemical networks that sustain cellular life.

  • Biochemistry III
    Graham Walker

    Biochemistry III focuses on the integration of biochemical processes within cells. Key topics include:

    • Regulation of metabolism and its implications for health.
    • The role of signal transduction pathways in cellular communication.
    • Understanding biochemical techniques used in research.

    This module emphasizes the importance of these processes in understanding diseases and developing therapeutic interventions.

  • Biochemistry IV
    Graham Walker

    Biochemistry IV continues the exploration of biochemical processes, focusing on:

    • Advanced enzyme kinetics and mechanisms.
    • The role of metabolic regulation in disease states.
    • Techniques for studying protein structure and function.

    This module provides insights into how biochemical understanding can lead to innovative solutions in medicine and biotechnology.

  • Biochemistry V
    Graham Walker

    In Biochemistry V, students will investigate the biochemical basis of signal transduction, covering:

    • Hormonal regulation and its impact on metabolism.
    • Signal transduction pathways and their role in cell communication.
    • Integrative functions of various biomolecules in signaling.

    Understanding these concepts is vital for comprehending how cells respond to their environment and maintain homeostasis.

  • Biochemistry VI
    Graham Walker

    Biochemistry VI focuses on the molecular basis of human health and disease, including:

    • The biochemical mechanisms underlying common diseases.
    • Genetic disorders and their biochemical implications.
    • Pharmacology and the biochemical basis of drug action.

    This module aims to connect biochemical principles with real-world health issues, preparing students for future medical challenges.

  • Molecular Biology II delves deeper into the processes of molecular biology, focusing on:

    • DNA replication, repair, and recombination.
    • Transcription and translation processes in gene expression.
    • Techniques used in molecular biology research.

    Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how genetic information is managed within cells.

  • Molecular Biology I
    Graham Walker

    Molecular Biology I introduces the foundational concepts necessary to understand molecular genetics, including:

    • The structure and function of DNA and RNA.
    • Basic principles of genetic inheritance.
    • The relationship between genes and proteins.

    This module lays the groundwork for more advanced topics in molecular biology and genetics.

  • Molecular Biology II, Process of Science - 2 continues from the previous module, focusing on advanced topics such as:

    • Gene regulation mechanisms and their biological significance.
    • Experimental design in molecular biology research.
    • Ethical considerations in genetic research.

    This module prepares students for practical applications of molecular biology in research and industry.

  • Molecular Biology III
    Graham Walker

    Molecular Biology III examines complex processes in molecular biology, covering:

    • The role of regulatory elements in gene expression.
    • Advanced techniques for studying gene function.
    • The interplay between genetics and environmental factors.

    This module highlights the dynamic nature of genetic regulation and its implications for evolution and adaptation.

  • Molecular Biology IV
    Graham Walker

    Molecular Biology IV focuses on advanced topics in molecular genetics, including:

    • Genome organization and its impact on gene expression.
    • Techniques for genome editing and their applications.
    • The relationship between genotype and phenotype.

    This module provides students with the tools to understand how genetic information is structured and manipulated.

  • Molecular Biology IV (cont.), Gene Regulation I continues the exploration of gene regulation, focusing on:

    • Mechanisms of transcriptional control.
    • The role of transcription factors in gene regulation.
    • Case studies of gene regulation in various organisms.

    Students will learn how genes are regulated in response to internal and external stimuli, highlighting the importance of this process in development and disease.

  • Gene Regulation II
    Graham Walker

    Gene Regulation II builds upon the previous module, focusing on advanced regulatory mechanisms such as:

    • Post-translational modifications and their effects on protein function.
    • Environmental influences on gene expression.
    • Comparative analysis of regulatory mechanisms across species.

    This module emphasizes the complexity and versatility of gene regulation in different biological contexts.

  • Bacterial Genetics
    Graham Walker

    Bacterial Genetics examines the unique aspects of genetics in prokaryotes, focusing on:

    • Gene transfer mechanisms in bacteria, including transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
    • The role of plasmids in genetic diversity.
    • Applications of bacterial genetics in biotechnology and medicine.

    This module provides insight into how bacterial genetics can inform our understanding of evolution and antibiotic resistance.

  • The Biosphere
    Penny Chisholm

    The Biosphere module focuses on the interactions between living organisms and their environment, examining:

    • The structure and function of ecosystems.
    • Energy flow and nutrient cycling within the biosphere.
    • Human impacts on ecological systems and sustainability.

    This module emphasizes the importance of understanding ecological principles for addressing environmental challenges.

  • Carbon and Energy Metabolism focuses on the biochemical pathways that govern energy production and utilization, covering:

    • The role of carbon compounds in metabolic processes.
    • Pathways of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
    • Energy conservation and its significance for organisms.

    This module highlights the interconnectedness of carbon and energy cycles in biological systems.

  • Productivity and Food Webs examines ecosystem dynamics, focusing on:

    • The concept of primary production and its measurement.
    • Food webs and trophic interactions among organisms.
    • Factors affecting productivity in different ecosystems.

    This module provides a framework for understanding how energy and nutrients flow through ecosystems.

  • Regulation of Productivity focuses on the factors that affect ecosystem productivity, including:

    • Climate and its influence on biological productivity.
    • Nutrient availability and its effects on growth.
    • The role of keystone species in maintaining ecosystem balance.

    Understanding these factors is crucial for managing natural resources and promoting sustainability.

  • Limiting Factors and Biogeochemical Cycles examines how various factors limit biological productivity, including:

    • The role of light, water, and nutrients in ecosystem health.
    • Biogeochemical cycles and their significance for life.
    • Human impacts on these cycles and strategies for mitigation.

    This module emphasizes the importance of understanding limiting factors for effective environmental management.

  • Mendelian Genetics
    Graham Walker

    This module delves into the principles of Mendelian genetics, a cornerstone of biological inheritance. Students will explore:

    • The laws of segregation and independent assortment.
    • Genotype and phenotype relationships.
    • Applications of Mendelian genetics in modern biology.

    Through case studies and problem-solving activities, learners will enhance their understanding of how traits are inherited across generations.

  • Mitosis and Meiosis
    Graham Walker

    This module covers the processes of mitosis and meiosis, essential for cellular division and reproduction. Key topics include:

    • The stages of mitosis and meiosis.
    • The significance of each phase in cell cycle regulation.
    • Differences between somatic and gametic cell division.

    Students will engage in hands-on activities to visualize these processes and understand their biological implications.

  • Diploid Genetics
    Graham Walker

    This module introduces diploid genetics, emphasizing the genetic makeup of organisms with two sets of chromosomes. Topics include:

    • The concept of diploidy and its evolutionary advantages.
    • How diploid organisms undergo genetic variation.
    • Examples of diploid organisms and their genetic traits.

    Students will analyze genetic data to understand the implications of diploidy in evolution and biodiversity.

  • Recombinant DNA I
    Graham Walker

    This module introduces the basics of recombinant DNA technology, its techniques, and applications. Key areas of focus include:

    • The principles of DNA recombination.
    • Techniques such as restriction enzyme digestion and ligation.
    • Real-world applications in medicine and agriculture.

    Students will participate in lab simulations to understand the processes involved in creating recombinant DNA.

  • Recombinant DNA II
    Graham Walker

    This module builds on the principles of recombinant DNA and dives deeper into advanced techniques. Topics include:

    • Gene cloning and expression systems.
    • CRISPR-Cas9 technology and its applications.
    • Ethical considerations in genetic engineering.

    Students will analyze case studies to understand the breakthroughs and controversies associated with these technologies.

  • Recombinant DNA III
    Graham Walker

    This module continues the exploration of recombinant DNA with a focus on applications and implications. Key discussions include:

    • Use of recombinant DNA in gene therapy.
    • Biopharmaceuticals and their production.
    • Impact on agriculture and food production.

    Students will engage in debates about the societal impacts and future of recombinant DNA technologies.

  • This module introduces immunology, focusing on the immune system's role in protecting against pathogens. Topics include:

    • The components of the immune system.
    • Types of immune responses: innate and adaptive.
    • How vaccines work to stimulate immunity.

    Students will engage in discussions about current immunological research and its significance in public health.

  • Population Growth I
    Penny Chisholm

    This module expands upon the principles of immunology, focusing on cellular and humoral responses. Key areas include:

    • Cell types involved in immunity: T cells and B cells.
    • The role of antibodies in the immune response.
    • Mechanisms of immune regulation and memory.

    Students will analyze case studies of autoimmune diseases to understand the complexities of the immune system.

  • Population Growth II
    Penny Chisholm

    This module focuses on population growth and its biological implications. Topics include:

    • Models of population growth: exponential and logistic.
    • Factors affecting population dynamics.
    • Real-world examples of population studies.

    Students will engage in simulations to model population growth and analyze data from ecological studies.

  • This module continues the study of population growth, examining factors that regulate population sizes. Key topics include:

    • Density-dependent and density-independent factors.
    • Carrying capacity and its ecological significance.
    • Human impact on population regulation.

    Students will participate in discussions about conservation efforts and sustainable practices in managing populations.

  • Molecular Evolution
    Martin Polz

    This module introduces population genetics, focusing on genetic variation within populations. Key topics include:

    • Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and its applications.
    • Forces of evolution: mutation, migration, and selection.
    • Case studies illustrating genetic changes in populations.

    Students will analyze genetic data to understand evolutionary processes and the importance of genetic diversity.

  • Communities I
    Penny Chisholm

    This module dives into molecular evolution, exploring how molecular data can inform our understanding of evolutionary relationships. Topics include:

    • Phylogenetics and constructing evolutionary trees.
    • Molecular clocks and their use in dating evolutionary events.
    • Examples of molecular evolution in various taxa.

    Students will engage in hands-on activities to analyze molecular data and construct phylogenetic trees.

  • Communities II
    Penny Chisholm

    This module focuses on ecological communities and their structures. Key areas include:

    • Types of communities and their characteristics.
    • Species interactions: competition, predation, and symbiosis.
    • The role of biodiversity in ecosystem stability.

    Students will participate in field studies to observe community dynamics and the importance of species interactions.

  • Molecular Biology 1
    Eric Lander

    This module continues the exploration of communities, focusing on community dynamics and succession. Key topics include:

    • Primary and secondary succession processes.
    • Factors influencing community change over time.
    • Case studies of community recovery after disturbances.

    Students will analyze case studies to understand the resilience of ecosystems and the factors that drive community dynamics.

  • Immunology II
    Graham Walker

    This module introduces molecular biology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that underpin biological processes. Topics include:

    • DNA structure and replication.
    • RNA transcription and translation processes.
    • Role of enzymes in molecular biology.

    Students will engage in laboratory experiments to observe DNA and RNA processes in real-time.