7. Science units of study

This introductory unit of study consists of aspects of chemistry relevant in studies of basic and applied biological sciences including agriculture, food and the rural environment. Lecture topics include an introduction to quantitative aspects of biophysical, environmental and aquatic chemistry with particular reference to protocols for specimen sampling and maintenance of specimen quality; the principles of basic analytical methods such as spectroscopy, chromatography and electrochemistry; environmental aspects of water such as thermal properties and its behaviour as a solvent of hydrophobic solutes, surfactants, neutral hydrophilic solutes, salts and other electrolytes, and gases. The lectures will also include environmental nutrient cycling (C, N, S, O, P, micronutrients) with reference to pesticides, herbicides, organic and inorganic pollutants affecting agricultural produce and the environment, and gases of environmental concern. Ten laboratory sessions will demonstrate aspects of analytical chemistry including: elemental analysis of foods and natural waters, spectrophotometry, chromatographic techniques, preparation of buffers, fundamentals of pH and conductance measurement, water as a solvent including the effect of surfactants and electrolytes. Students will analyze natural water samples using the skills acquired in earlier laboratory sessions and write an environmental assessment from their findings. An on-line tutorial on safety procedures in a chemistry laboratory is a pre-requisite for commencement of laboratory experiments.

This unit of study aims to give students an understanding of the properties, relationship between form and function and fitness for purpose (quality) of food components, and the interactions between these components during storage, processing and digestion. The unit will develop an understanding of the role of agricultural products as foods. Students will gain an appreciation of the biochemical systems we know as foods and will build upon knowledge gained in intermediate levels of biochemistry. Students will explore the relationship between chemical composition and structure of macro- and micro-constituents and their function in foods. Students will also develop an analytical approach in understanding of the biochemistry of food formulations, processing and storage stability. At the completion of this unit, students will be able to describe the chemistry, biochemistry and processing behaviour of major food constituents such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, natural fibres and gel-forming polymers. They will also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the functionality of these constituents and gain experience in laboratory techniques used in industry for the analysis of some of these compounds in actual food products. Students will gain research and inquiry skills by mastering the key theories and concepts presented in lecture material and practical classes. Students will also gain information literacy and communication skills by using various sources of information for the synthesis of material required for practical reports. At the end of the unit students should also have an enhanced understanding of the role of agriculture in Australian and International food production systems.

This unit aims to give students an understanding of the biochemistry of processing of raw products used in food manufacture, with special emphasis placed on current issues faced by the food industry. The unit is designed to build upon intermediate levels of chemistry and biochemistry by developing a deeper understanding of how biochemical molecules contained in raw products affect the processing, manufacture and quality of foods. It complements AGCH3025 by applying the knowledge gained in that unit in food processing procedures. The teaching covers the use of enzymes in food processing and diagnostic analysis, the types of raw products used in foods and their processing, the chemistry of raw products with special attention given to proteins, doughs and baking technologies, the reactions that occur during processing and the evaluation of foods. Students will gain exposure to a wide range of food related issues through the presentation of lectures by invited speakers with industry experience. At the end of this unit students will understand the chemistry of doughs and the changes that occur in baked goods, the role of enzymes in the food industry and the processing of raw ingredients and the products produced. Students will also have an enhanced understanding of issues that face Australian and international agricultural practices and current issues presented by an increasingly global food processing industry. Students will gain research and inquiry skills by mastering the key theories and concepts presented in lecture material and practical classes. Students will also gain information literacy and communication skills by using various sources of information for the synthesis of material required for practical reports and an oral presentation. At the end of the unit students should also have an enhanced understanding of the role of agriculture in Australian and international food production systems.

This field-oriented unit will develop professional expertise in rural ecochemistry, measuring impacts on sustainability and seeking solutions to chemical problems at the catchment scale. AGCH3032 is an elective unit suitable for the BSc, BScAgr, BLWSc, BHortSc, BResEc and BAnVetBioSc degrees, building on intermediate units in chemistry or biochemistry. It will promote knowledge and professional skills related to key chemical processes in ecosystems causing risks to soil and water resources, the quality of agricultural produce and to ecological biodiversity. These will be examined by quantitative risk analysis, targeted monitoring and remediation, seeking innovative solutions (e.g. IPM and genetic modification). A field trip in the AVCC break and professional report on a chosen topic will investigate relevant case studies at selected centres in eastern Australian doing innovative research on global warming and climate change, soil and water quality and environmental protection. Lectures will provide knowledge in the environmental C, N and S cycles important for sustaining action in ecosystems, the nature of greenhouse gases and mitigation of their production including C sequestration, risks to biota (soil, water, plants, animals) from acidification and innovative means of remediation, environmental risk from pesticides and other pollutants, monitoring and their remediation. In laboratory exercises, students will gain skills in relevant analyses using GC, LC, mass spectrometry and ELISA. The assessment procedures are designed to provide students with skills in definition of research problems and risk assessment, quality in analyses, risk management and remediation, and effective communication of outputs.

This unit of study is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts within pedology, soil physics and soil chemistry. These concepts are part of the grounding principles that underpin crop and animal production, nutrient and water cycling, and environmental sustainability taught by other units of study in the Faculty. Referring to common soil profiles in NSW, students will concentrate on factors affecting soil formation, the rudiments of soil description, and analysis of soil properties that are used in soil classification. Students will also develop knowledge of the physics of water and gas movement, soil strength, soil chemical properties, inorganic and organic components, nutrient cycles and soil acidity in an agricultural context. At the end of this unit students will become familiar with the factors that determine a soil's composition and behaviour, and will have an understanding of the most important soil physical and chemical properties. Students will develop communication skills through essay, report and practical exercises. The final report and laboratory exercise questions are designed to develop team work and collaborative efforts.

This unit will familiarize students with the description and mapping of soil types in the Australian landscape, with common analytical methods for soil and with the various forms of degradation that may alter the quality and function of soil. It is an applied soil science unit which builds on the fundamental soil science concepts learned in the SOIL2003 unit. The first practical component of the unit, a five-day soil survey, will give students experience in soil description and classification in the field, and soil samples collected during this survey will be subsequently analysed for a variety of attributes by the students in laboratory practicals. In the lecture series, topics including soil type distribution, soil quality, soil function, soil fertility and soil degradation will be discussed and linked to practical sessions. By the end of this unit, students will be able to construct maps of soil properties and soil type distribution, describe primary soil functions, soil attributes and types of soil degradation in an agricultural context, and be able to recognize and communicate the ability of a soil profile to sustain plant growth. Students will gain research and inquiry skills by collecting, analyzing and interpreting soil survey data. They will improve their information literacy skills by carrying out a literature review exercise, and will gain communication skills by having to prepare and present a poster.

This unit is designed to impart knowledge and skills in spatial analysis and geographical information science (GISc) for decision-making— in rural context. The unit of study is intended to introduce students to modern geospatial analysis and GISc technologies. It is offered as a core unit for BLWSc students and as an elective for BScAgr, BHortSc, BSc and BResEc students. The lecture material will present several themes: principles of GISc, fundamentals of remote sensing and geo-image analysis, geospatial data sources and acquisition methods, processing of geospatial data and spatial statistics. Practical exercises will focus on learning geographical information systems (GIS) and how to apply them to land resource assessment, including digital terrain modelling, land-cover assessment, sub-catchment modelling, and soil quality assessment for decisions regarding sustainable land use and management. A 4 day field excursion during the mid-semester break will involve a day GPS fieldwork at Arthursleigh University farm and three days in Canberra visiting various government agencies which research and maintain GIS coverages of major rural environments. By the end of this UoS, students should be able to: differentiate between spatial data and spatial information; source geospatial data from government and private agencies; apply conceptual models of spatial phenomena for practical decision-making in rural context; apply critical analysis of situations to apply the concepts of spatial analysis to solving environmental and land resource problems; communicate effectively results of GIS and remote sensing investigations through various means- oral, written and essay formats; and use a major GIS software package such as ArcGIS

This is a theoretical and empirical unit providing specialised training in three important areas of contemporary soil science, namely pedology, soil chemistry and soil physics. The key concepts of these sub-disciplines will be outlined and strengthened by hands-on training in essential field and laboratory techniques. All of this is synthesized by placing it in the context of soil distribution and use in North-Western New South Wales. The unit is motivated by the teaching team's research in this locale. It builds on students existing soil science knowledge gained in SOIL2003. After completion of the unit, students should be able to articulate the advantages and disadvantages of current field & laboratory techniques for gathering necessary soil information, and simultaneously recognise key concepts and principles that guide contemporary thought in soil science. Students will be able to synthesise soil information from a multiplicity of sources and have an appreciation of the cutting edge areas of soil research. By investigating the contemporary nature of key concepts, students will develop their skills in research and inquiry. Students will develop their communication skills through report writing and oral presentations and will also articulate an openness to new ways of thinking which augments intellectual autonomy. Teamwork and collaborative efforts are encouraged in this unit.

This is a problem-based applied soil science unit. It is designed to allow students to identify soil-related problems in the real-world and by working in a group and with an end-user to suggest short and long-term solutions to such problems. This is a core unit for students majoring or specializing in soil science and an elective unit for those wishing to gain an understanding of environmental problem-solving. It utilises and reinforces soil-science knowledge gained in SOIL2003 and/or SOIL2004 and problem-solving skills gained during the degree program. This unit will address real-world scenarios which involve soil-related problems such as carbon management, structural decline, acidification, salinisation and contamination. Students will gain some understanding of the concept of sustainability, and will be able to identify the causes of problems by reference to the literature, discussion with landusers and by the design and execution of key experiments and surveys. They will gain a focused knowledge of the key soil drivers to environmental problems and will have some understanding on the constraints surrounding potential solutions. By designing and administering strategies to tackle real-world soil issues students will develop their research and inquiry skills and enhance their intellectual autonomy. By producing reports and seminars that enables understanding by an end-user students will improve the breadth of their communication skills.

This field-oriented unit will develop professional expertise in rural ecochemistry, measuring impacts on sustainability and seeking solutions to chemical problems at the catchment scale. AGCH3032 is an elective unit suitable for the BSc, BScAgr, BLWSc, BHortSc, BResEc and BAnVetBioSc degrees, building on intermediate units in chemistry or biochemistry. It will promote knowledge and professional skills related to key chemical processes in ecosystems causing risks to soil and water resources, the quality of agricultural produce and to ecological biodiversity. These will be examined by quantitative risk analysis, targeted monitoring and remediation, seeking innovative solutions (e.g. IPM and genetic modification). A field trip in the AVCC break and professional report on a chosen topic will investigate relevant case studies at selected centres in eastern Australian doing innovative research on global warming and climate change, soil and water quality and environmental protection. Lectures will provide knowledge in the environmental C, N and S cycles important for sustaining action in ecosystems, the nature of greenhouse gases and mitigation of their production including C sequestration, risks to biota (soil, water, plants, animals) from acidification and innovative means of remediation, environmental risk from pesticides and other pollutants, monitoring and their remediation. In laboratory exercises, students will gain skills in relevant analyses using GC, LC, mass spectrometry and ELISA. The assessment procedures are designed to provide students with skills in definition of research problems and risk assessment, quality in analyses, risk management and remediation, and effective communication of outputs.

This unit of study is designed to allow students to examine catchment-scale hydrological modeling, groundwater hydrogeochemistry as an investigative tool for water quality and policy making at the catchment level. It is a core unit for students in BLWSc and builds on the theoretical knowledge gained in LWSC3004, GEOG2321 and LWSC2002. In the first part, students will investigate several ways to simulate catchment hydrological processes and review the possibilities and impossibilities of using simulation models for catchment management. In the second part students will apply hydrogeochemical techniques to investigate groundwater quality and review recent developments in catchment-based management strategies to control salinity and pollution. At the end of this unit, students will be able to articulate advantages and disadvantages of using simulation models for catchment management, justify the choice of a simulation model for a particular catchment management problem, identify issues in relation to uncertainty, apply hydrogeochemical investigation techniques for groundwater and describe innovative strategies for salinity and pollution control. The students will gain research and inquiry skills through research based group projects, information literacy and communication skills through on-line discussion postings, laboratory reports and a presentation and personal and intellectual autonomy through working in groups.

This unit investigates the diversity of organisms living in the soil, their biology, interactions and ecology, and their roles in maintaining and improving soil function. The unit is an elective for BScAgr, BHortSc and BSc students. It builds on the material introduced in MICR2024, PPAT3003 and BIOL3017. Undertaking this unit will develop skills in monitoring soil microbes, designing, conducting and analysing experiments. At the completion of this unit, students will be able to exercise problem-solving skills (developed through practical experiments, projects and tutorial discussions), think critically, and organise knowledge (from consideration of the lecture material and preparation of project reports), and expand from theoretical principles to practical explanations (through observing and reporting on project work). Students will consolidate their teamworking skills, develop self-directed study skills and plan effective work schedules, use statistical analysis in research, keep appropriate records of laboratory research, work safely in a research laboratory and operate a range of scientific equipment. Students will gain research and inquiry skills through group research projects, information literacy and communication skills through assessment tasks and personal and intellectual autonomy through working in groups.

This unit of study covers the principles of cell biology and study of the structure of cells, tissues and organ systems at the light and electron microscopic levels. The focus is on human systems. Extension exercises introduce students to the connection between histology and anatomy. Modern practical applications of histological techniques and analysis for research are also presented.

This unit of student covers the musculo-skeletal anatomy of the human body with particular emphasis on human evolution and comparisons with apes and fossil hominids. The topics covered include the versatility of the human hand, in manipulation and locomotion, bipedalism, climbing and brachiation in apes, and the change in pelvic anatomy associated with bipedalism and obstetric consequences.

Students are introduced to the structure and organisation of the central and peripheral nervous system. The course begins with an exploration into the make-up of the individual cells, followed by an examination of the different regions of the nervous system. A final theme of the course touches on the organisation of various systems (sensory and motor), together with aspects of higher-order function (memory). In essence, the course covers general concepts of organisation, structure and function of the brain and its different areas. The practicals offer students the unique opportunity to examine specimens in the Anatomy labs and museum. This course will be of considerable interest to students studying science and related disciplines, as well as those wishing to pursue further study in Neuroscience at senior levels.

This unit of study covers skull, muscles of facial expression, muscles of jaw and neck, ear, eye, nose, oral cavity and larynx and pharynx as well as peripheral distribution of cranial nerves in the head and neck. The functional components of the cranial nerves and their relationship to the special senses and special motor functions such as facial gesture and speech are also studied. Tutorials are designed to encourage students to develop their own approach to the understanding and organisation of subject material. Communication of key concepts and presentation of subject material in an academic context are encouraged and assessed in a major assignment.

This unit of study is an alternative to ANAT3004 Cranial & Cervical for talented students with a special interest in and need for dissection experience. The lecture/tutorial component of the course is run in conjunction with ANAt3004. Students in the advanced course will study the anatomy of the skull, muscles of face, jaw and neck, eye, ear, nose oral cavity, larynx and pharynx as well as the peripheral distribution of cranial nerves in the neck. Dissection will allow students to find these structures in donated human cadavers for themselves and to study and to understand at least some of the many anomalies and variations which characerise human cranial and cervical anatomy.

This unit of study aims to introduce students to the area of forensic osteology, which is the study of human skeletal remains within the legal context. Thus the unit of study aims to help students learn about human morphology and variation through the investigation and identification of human bones. It will also help students gain skills in observation and rigorous record taking and in analysis and interpretation. Production of case reports and practice in acting as 'expert witness' will improve students written and oral skills. An additional objective will be to assist students in learning to deal with legal and ethical issues.

This unit of study aims to provide an understanding of the anatomy of the viscera of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis. Structures covered include the heart and associated great vessels, lungs, mediastinum and the abdominal viscera, the alimentary organs and the genitourinary system. The structure of anterior thoracic and abdominal walls and pelvis along with the nerve supply to the viscera and relevant endocrine structures is also covered. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of structure to function especially with respect to the important functions of breathing, digestion, excretion and reproduction. Students will also be encouraged to relate their understanding of the structures studied to current research into these structures in related fields such as molecular biology and physiology.

The unit provides an opportunity for students to study the topographical and systems anatomy of the upper limb, lower limb and the back regions. Emphasis is placed upon the identification and description of structures and the correlation of structure with function. This includes for the upper limb, its role in manipulation, for the lower limb standing and walking and for the back flexible support and protection. Emphasis is also given to the innervation of the limbs. The unit also aims to develop the general skills of observation, description, drawing, writing and discussion as applying to biological structure.

The course is run conjointly by the Department of Anatomy and Histology and the Electron Microscope Unit. The course will focus on the theoretical aspects of transmission and scanning electron microscopy, the preparation of biological samples for electron microscopy, digital imaging, and freeze-fracture. Immunological and other techniques required in modern research and hospital electron microscope laboratories will also be covered. Students will also receive theoretical training in laser scanning confocal microscopy including the use of fluorescent probes to visualize cellular organelles and cellular processes. Students will undertake a theoretical research project of their choice which is of relevance to the course.

The course is run conjointly by the Department of Anatomy & Histology and the Electron Microscope Unit. The course will provide hands-on training in the operation of transmission and scanning electron microscopes, processing biological samples for electron microscopy, ultrathin sectioning, cryo-ultramicrotomy, freeze-fracture, electron diffraction, digital imaging, immunological and other techniques required in modern research and hospital electron microscope laboratories. Students will also learn the operation of laser scanning confocal microscopes, including the use of fluorescent probes to visualise cellular organelles and cellular processes. Students will apply their knowledge to complete a project of their choice on electron microscopy of a biological sample, from fixation of the sample to interpretation of the resulting electron micrographs.

The aims of this unit of study are to provide a theoretical understanding of why biological tissues need to be specifically prepared for microscopic examination, how differing methods yield different types of morphological information; to allow students to study the theory of different types & modalities of microscopes, how they function & the differing information they provide; to develop an understanding of the theory of why biological material needs to be stained for microscopic examination; to allow students to understand how biological material becomes stained; to develop an understanding of the chemical information provided by biological staining - dyes, enzymes & antibodies.

The aims of this unit of study are to provide an practical understanding of why biological tissues need to be specifically prepared for microscopic examination, to apply different methods to gain different types of morphological information; to allow students to learn to use the different types & modalities of microscopes: to gain first hand experience of how they function & see for themselves the differing information they provide; to learn to stain biological material for microscopic examination; applying their theoretical knowledge & to allow students to develop practical skills in diverse histochemical staining procedures - dyes, enzymes & antibodies.

The main emphasis of this unit of study concerns the mechanisms that control animal development. Fertilisation, cleavage, gastrulation and the formation of the primary germ layers are described in a range of animals, mainly vertebrates. Much of the emphasis will be placed on the parts played by inductive cell and tissue interactions in cell and tissue differentiation, morphogenesis and pattern formation. This will be studied at both cellular and molecular levels.

This advanced unit of study complements HSTO3003 (Cells and Development:Theory) and is catered to provide students with laboratory research experience leading to Honours and higher degrees. It will primarily cover the design and application of experimental procedures involved in cell and developmental biology, using appropriate molecular and cellular techniques to answer developmental questions raised in HSTO3003. This unit of study will promote hands on experience with different animal models, allowing students to observe and examine developing and differentiating tissues at the macroscopic and microscopic level. The main emphasis of this unit of study will concentrate on practical approaches to understanding the mechanisms that control animal development. Fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation and the formation of the primary germ layers are covered. The parts played by inductive cell and tissue interactions in differentiation, morphogenesis and pattern formation are examined at cellular and molecular levels. Note that for some weeks of the course, specialised practical classes will be carried out at the Westmead campus.

The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. Our current knowledge of how the brain works is based on the analysis of the normal structure of the nervous system and its pathways, the functional effects of lesions and neurological diseases in different parts of the nervous system, and the way that nerve cells work at the molecular, cellular and integrative level. This course focuses on to the neural circuits and the mechanisms that control somatic and autonomic motor systems, motivated behaviours, emotions, and other higher order functions. The lecture series addresses the different topics, each of which offers special insight into the function of the nervous system in health and disease.

This unit of study is an extension of NEUR3002 for talented students with an interest in Neuroscience and research in this field. The lecture/practical component of the course is run in conjunction with NEUR3002. The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. Our current knowledge of how the brain works is based on the analysis of the normal structure of the nervous system and its pathways, the functional effects of lesions and neurological diseases in different parts of the nervous system, and the way that nerve cells work at the molecular, cellular and integrative level. This course focuses on to the neural circuits and the mechanisms that control somatic and autonomic motor systems, motivated behaviours, emotions, and other higher order functions. The lecture series addresses the different topics, each of which offers special insight into the function of the nervous system in health and disease.

This second semester unit is designed to introduce students to "cutting edge" issues in the neurosciences and to be taken in conjunction with NEUR3003/3903. This course is a combination of small group lectures on current issues in neuroscience, seminar groups and a research-based laboratory or library project. Seminars will be held on topics including imaging pain, emotions, cortical development & plasticity, colour vision, stroke and hypertension, long-term regulation of blood pressure, auditory hallucinations and the "cocktail party effect".

This unit encompasses the material taught in NEUR3004. Advanced students prepare and present a mini-lecture on a current topic in neuroscience research.

This unit of study introduces biochemistry by describing the physical and chemical activities of proteins and their functions in cells. The details of protein interactions with other cellular components are presented and the relationship of protein structure and function is discussed. Techniques in protein chemistry and analysis, including proteomics are introduced together with key experiments which reveal the physical basis of the functioning of proteins. This course builds on the protein science presented in MBLG1001 and is ideally suited to students studying intermediate Chemistry together with Biochemistry. The practical course will nurture technical skills in biochemistry and will include protein preparation, the analysis of protein structure and enzymatic assays.

This advanced unit of study introduces biochemistry by describing the physical and chemical activities of proteins and their functions in cells. The details of protein interactions with other cellular components are presented and the relationship of protein structure and function is discussed. Techniques in protein chemistry and analysis, including proteomics are discussed together with key experiments which reveal the physical basis of the functioning of proteins. This course builds on the protein science presented in MBLG1001 and is ideally suited to students studying Intermediate Chemistry together with Biochemistry. The advanced practical course will nurture technical skills in protein biochemistry and will include protein preparation, the interpretation of protein structure, enzymatic assays and biochemical analysis.

This unit of study aims to describe how cells work at the molecular level, with special emphasis on human biochemistry. The chemical reactions which occur inside cells are described in the first series of lectures, Cellular Metabolism. Aspects of the molecular architecture of cells which enable them to transduce messages and communicate are described in the second half of the unit of study. At every stage there is emphasis on the 'whole body' consequences of reactions, pathways and processes at the cellular level. Cellular Metabolism describes how cells extract energy from fuel molecules like fatty acids and carbohydrates, how the body controls the rate of fuel utilization and how the mix of fuels is regulated (especially under different physiological circumstances such as starvation and exercise). The metabolic inter-relationships of the muscle, brain, adipose tissue and liver and the role of hormones in coordinating tissue metabolic relationships is discussed. The unit also discusses how the body lays down and stores vital fuel reserves such as fat and glycogen, how hormones modulate fuel partitioning between tissues and the strategies involved in digestion and absorption and transport of nutrients. Signal Transduction covers how communication across membranes occurs (i.e. via surface receptors and signaling cascades). This allows detailed molecular discussion of the mechanism of hormone action and intracellular process targeting. The practical component complements the lectures by exposing students to experiments which investigate the measurement of glucose utilisation using radioactive tracers and the design of biochemical assay systems. During the unit of study, generic skills will be nurtured by frequent use of computers and problem solving activities. However student exposure to generic skills will be extended by the introduction of exercises designed to teach oral communication, instruction writing and feedback articulation skills.

This advanced unit aims to describe how cells work at the molecular level, with special emphasis on human biochemistry. The chemical reactions which occur inside cells are described in the first series of lectures, Cellular Metabolism. Aspects of the molecular architecture of cells which enable them to transduce messages and communicate are described in the second half of the unit of study. At every stage there is emphasis on the 'whole body' consequences of reactions, pathways and processes at the cellular level. Cellular Metabolism describes how cells extract energy from fuel molecules like fatty acids and carbohydrates, how the body controls the rate of fuel utilization and how the mix of fuels is regulated (especially under different physiological circumstances such as starvation and exercise). The metabolic inter-relationships of the muscle, brain, adipose tissue and liver and the role of hormones in coordinating tissue metabolic relationships is discussed. The unit also discusses how the body lays down and stores vital fuel reserves such as fat and glycogen, how hormones modulate fuel partitioning between tissues and the strategies involved in digestion and absorption and transport of nutrients. Signal Transduction covers how communication across membranes occurs (i.e., via surface receptors and signaling cascades). This allows detailed molecular discussion of the mechanism of hormone action and intracellular process targeting. The practical component complements the lectures by exposing students to experiments which investigate the measurement of glucose utilisation using radioactive tracers and the design of biochemical assay systems. During the unit of study, generic skills will be nurtured by frequent use of computers and problem solving activities. However, student exposure to generic skills will be extended by the introduction of exercise designed to teach oral communication, instruction writing and feedback articulation skills.

This unit of study is designed to provide a comprehensive coverage of the activity of genes in living organisms, with a focus on eukaryotic and particularly human systems. The lecture component covers the arrangement and structure of genes, how genes are expressed, promoter activity and enhancer action. This leads into discussions on the biochemical basis of differentiation of eukaryotic cells, the molecular basis of imprinting, epigenetics, and the role of RNA in gene expression. Additionally, the course discusses the effects of damage to the genome and mechanisms of DNA repair. The modern techniques for manipulating and analysing macromolecules such as DNA and proteins and their relevance to medical and biotechnological applications are discussed. Techniques such as the generation of gene knockout and transgenic mice are discussed as well as genomic methods of analysing gene expression patterns. Particular emphasis is placed on how modern molecular biology and biochemical methods have led to our current understanding of the structure and functions of genes within the human genome. The practical course is designed to complement the lecture course and will provide students with experience in a wide range of techniques used in molecular biology laboratories.

This unit of study is designed to provide a comprehensive coverage of the activity of genes in living organisms, with a focus on eukaryotic and particularly human systems. The lecture component covers the arrangement and structure of genes, how genes are expressed, promoter activity and enhancer action. This leads into discussions on the biochemical basis of differentiation of eukaryotic cells, the molecular basis of imprinting, epigenetics, and the role of RNA in gene expression. Additionally, the course discusses the effects of damage to the genome and mechanisms of DNA repair. The modern techniques for manipulating and analysing macromolecules such as DNA and proteins and their relevance to medical and biotechnological applications are discussed. Techniques such as the generation of gene knockout and transgenic mice are discussed as well as genomic methods of analysing gene expression patterns. Particular emphasis is placed on how modern molecular biology and biochemical methods have led to our current understanding of the structure and functions of genes within the human genome. The practical course is designed to complement the lecture course and will provide students with experience in a wide range of techniques used in molecular biology laboratories. The lecture component of this unit of study is the same as BCHM3071. Qualified students will attend seminars/practical classes in which more sophisticated topics in gene expression and manipulation will be covered.

This unit of study is designed to provide a comprehensive coverage of the functions of proteins in living organisms, with a focus on eukaryotic and particularly human systems. Its lecture component deals with how proteins adopt their biologically active forms, including discussions of protein structure, protein folding and how recombinant DNA technology can be used to design novel proteins with potential medical or biotechnology applications. Particular emphasis is placed on how modern molecular biology and biochemical methods have led to our current understanding of the structure and functions of proteins. It also covers physiologically and medically important aspects of proteins in living systems, including the roles of chaperones in protein folding inside cells, the pathological consequences of misfolding of proteins, how proteins are sorted to different cellular compartments and how the biological activities of proteins can be controlled by regulated protein degradation. The practical course is designed to complement the lecture course and will provide students with experience in a wide range of techniques used in molecular biology and protein biochemistry laboratories.

This unit of study is designed to provide a comprehensive coverage of the functions of proteins in living organisms, with a focus on eukaryotic and particularly human systems. Its lecture component deals with how proteins adopt their biologically active forms, including discussions of protein structure, protein folding and how recombinant DNA technology can be used to design novel proteins with potential medical or biotechnology applications. Particular emphasis is placed on how modern molecular biology and biochemical methods have led to our current understanding of the structure and functions of proteins. It also covers physiologically and medically important aspects of proteins in living systems, including the roles of chaperones in protein folding inside cells, the pathological consequences of misfolding of proteins, how proteins are sorted to different cellular compartments and how the biological activities of proteins can be controlled by regulated protein degradation. The practical course is designed to complement the lecture course and will provide students with experience in a wide range of techniques used in molecular biology and protein biochemistry laboratories. The lecture component of this unit of study is the same as BCHM3081. Qualified students will attend seminars/practical classes in which more sophisticated topics in gene expression and manipulation will be covered.

This unit of study will explore the responses of cells to changes in their environment in both health and disease. The lecture course consists of four integrated modules. The first will provide an overview of the role of signalling mechanisms in the control of human cell biology and then focus on cell surface receptors and the downstream signal transduction events that they initiate. The second will examine how cells detect and respond to pathogenic molecular patterns displayed by infectious agents and injured cells by discussing the roles of relevant cell surface receptors, cytokines and signal transduction pathways. The third and fourth will focus on the life, death and differentiation of human cells in response to intra-cellular and extra-cellular signals by discussing the eukaryotic cell cycle under normal and pathological circumstances and programmed cell death in response to abnormal extra-cellular and intra-cellular signals. In all modules emphasis will be placed on the molecular processes involved in human cell biology, how modern molecular and cell biology methods have led to our current understanding of them and the implications of them for pathologies such as cancer. The practical component is designed to complement the lecture course, providing students with experience in a wide range of techniques used in modern molecular cell biology.

This unit of study will explore the responses of cells to changes in their environment in both health and disease. The lecture course consists of four integrated modules. The first will provide an overview of the role of signalling mechanisms in the control of human cell biology and then focus on cell surface receptors and the downstream signal transduction events that they initiate. The second will examine how cells detect and respond to pathogenic molecular patterns displayed by infectious agents and injured cells by discussing the roles of relevant cell surface receptors, cytokines and signal transduction pathways. The third and fourth will focus on the life, death and differentiation of human cells in response to intra-cellular and extra-cellular signals by discussing the eukaryotic cell cycle under normal and pathological circumstances and programmed cell death in response to abnormal extra-cellular and intra-cellular signals. In all modules emphasis will be placed on the molecular processes involved in human cell biology, how modern molecular and cell biology methods have led to our current understanding of them and the implications of them for pathologies such as cancer. The practical component is designed to complement the lecture course, providing students with experience in a wide range of techniques used in modern molecular cell biology. The lecture component of this unit of study is the same as BCHM3072. Qualified students will attend seminars/practical classes in which more sophisticated topics in gene expression and manipulation will be covered.

This unit of study will explore the biochemical processes involved in the operation of cells and how they are integrated in tissues and in the whole human body in normal and diseased states. These concepts will be illustrated by considering whole-body aspects of energy utilisation, fat and glycogen storage and their regulation under normal conditions compared to obesity and diabetes. Key concepts that will be discussed include energy balance, regulation of metabolic rate, control of food intake, tissue interactions in fuel selection, the role of adipose tissue and transport of fuel molecules from storage organs and into cells. Particular emphasis will be placed on how the modern concepts of metabolomics, coupled with new methods, including magnetic resonance techniques, molecular biology methods and microarray technologies, as well as studies of the structure and function of enzymes, have led to our current understanding of how metabolic processes are normally integrated and how they become deranged in disease states. The practical component is designed to complement the lecture course and will provide students with experience in a wide range of techniques used in modern medical and metabolic biochemistry.

This unit of study will explore the biochemical processes involved in the operation of cells and how they are integrated in tissues and in the whole human body in normal and diseased states. These concepts will be illustrated by considering whole-body aspects of energy utilisation, fat and glycogen storage and their regulation under normal conditions compared to obesity and diabetes. Key concepts that will be discussed include energy balance, regulation of metabolic rate, control of food intake, tissue interactions in fuel selection, the role of adipose tissue and transport of fuel molecules from storage organs and into cells. Particular emphasis will be placed on how the modern concepts of metabolomics, coupled with new methods, including magnetic resonance techniques, molecular biology methods and microarray technologies, as well as studies of the structure and function of enzymes, have led to our current understanding of how metabolic processes are normally integrated and how they become deranged in disease states. The practical component is designed to complement the lecture course and will provide students with experience in a wide range of techniques used in modern medical and metabolic biochemistry. The lecture component of this unit of study is the same as BCHM3082. Qualified students will attend seminars/practical classes in which more sophisticated topics in gene expression and manipulation will be covered.

This unit of study will focus on the high throughput methods for the analysis of gene structure and function (genomics) and the analysis of proteins (proteomics), which are at the forefront of discovery in the biomedical sciences. The course will concentrate on the hierarchy of gene-protein-structure-function through an examination of modern technologies built on the concepts of genomics versus molecular biology, and proteomics versus biochemistry. Technologies to be examined include DNA sequencing, nucleic acid and protein microarrays, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of proteins, uses of mass spectrometry for high throughput protein identification, isotope tagging for quantitative proteomics, high-performance liquid chromatography, high-throughput functional assays, affinity chromatography and modern methods for database analysis. Particular emphasis will be placed on how these technologies can provide insight into the molecular basis of changes in cellular function under both physiological and pathological conditions as well as how they can be applied to biotechnology for the discovery of biomarkers, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The practical component is designed to complement the lecture course and will provide students with experience in a wide range of techniques used in proteomics and genomics.

This unit of study will focus on the high throughput methods for the analysis of gene structure and function (genomics) and the analysis of proteins (proteomics) which are at the forefront of discovery in the biomedical sciences. The course will concentrate on the hierarchy of gene-protein-structure-function through an examination of modern technologies built on the concepts of genomics versus molecular biology, and proteomics versus biochemistry. Technologies to be examined include DNA sequencing, nucleic acid and protein microarrays, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of proteins, uses of mass spectrometry for high throughput protein identification, isotope tagging for quantitative proteomics, high-performance liquid chromatography, high-throughput functional assays, affinity chromatography and modern methods for database analysis. Particular emphasis will be placed on how these technologies can provide insight into the molecular basis of changes in cellular function under both physiological and pathological conditions as well as how they can be applied to biotechnology for the discovery of biomarkers, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The practical component is designed to complement the lecture course and will provide students with experience in a wide range of techniques used in proteomics and genomics. The lecture component of this unit of study is the same as BCHM3092. Qualified students will attend seminars/practical classes in which more sophisticated topics in gene expression and manipulation will be covered.