SEMESTER 1
1.
Module Code and Title:
BL5222 – Cellular Mechanisms
2.
3.
Modular Credits [MC]:
Rationale for introducing this module:
4.
Brief Module Description:
The teaching and learning objectives.
The major topics covered.
4
This module exposes students to advanced topics in cell
biology, with a particular emphasis on integrating a variety of
approaches, such as genetics, biochemistry and cellular
imaging.
It is increasingly clear that a full appreciation of the chemical
and physical properties that govern individual cells is essential
for the understanding of development and disease. Emphasis
will also be placed on reading primary research publications.
This module is designed to expose students to topics such as
cell cycle control, cell polarization, membrane trafficking,
actin and microtubular cytoskeleton, and cellular mechanisms
contributing to disease. A biochemical and Biophysical view
of the cell and its functions will be explored. In addition to the
lectures, the students have time for critical discussion sessions
with the lecturers, many of whom are pioneers in the topics
being covered in the course.
5.
6.
Cross Listing (if applicable):
Pre-requisites/Co-requisites (if applicable):
7.
8.
Preclusions (if applicable):
Workload:
(The weekly workload for a 4-MC module must
add up to 10 hours. e.g. 2 hours lecture; 1 hour
tutorial; 7 hours preparatory work.)
9.
10.
To be offered with effect from:
Aims and objectives:
(Elaboration of teaching and learning
objectives.)
Intended for fresh or advanced graduate students familiar with
basic cell biology.
Nil
Students should have a strong foundation in life sciences and
molecular biology
Nil
(i)
Lecture hours per week:
3
(ii) Tutorial hours per week:
3
(iii) Laboratory hours per week:
0
(iv) Number of hours per week for projects,
0
fieldwork, assignments, etc. :
(v) Number of hours per week for preparatory work: 4
Total hours per week:
10
Semester 1 of AY2004-5
To expose students to important primary data that have led to
major cell biological concepts such as MPF discovery and cell
cycle control, microtubular instability, actin polymerization
and function, etc.
Synthesize information pertaining to cell function based on
diverse experimental and conceptual approaches.
To inculcate the importance of Cell biology in general and to
stimulate research interest in life sciences.
To allow graduate students to interact with experts in the field
of cell biology.
To provide a platform for interaction between graduate
students interested in the study of cellular mechanisms.
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11.
12.
Maximum Class Size:
Syllabus:
(Elaboration of major topics covered.)
13.
Assessment:
(Please indicate the % breakdown for each
continuous assessment [CA] component and
the % for the Final Examination.)
14.
Module Lecturer/s:
(Name/s and Department/s.)
15.
Modes of Teaching and Learning:
(Lectures, regular tests, Q & A, IVLE, problembased learning.)
Illustrative Basic Reading List:
(i)
Compulsory reading:
16.
(ii)
Supplementary reading:
50
Cell Cycle Control, prokaryotic and eukaryotic
Regulation of Cytokinesis
Cell polarization
Membrane trafficking
Actin and Microtubule cytoskeleton
Cell Biological Methods
CA Components:
(a) Tutorials:
35%
(b) Laboratories:
0%
(c) Tests:
60%
(d) Others: (Participation in lecture discussion)
5%
Total for CA Components:
100%
(i) Principle
Mohan Balasubramanian (TLL; DBS-NUS),
Lecturer/s
Snezhana Oliferenko (TLL; DBS-NUS),
Maki Murata Hori (TLL; DBS-NUS),
Naweed Naqvi (TLL; DBS-NUS)
Hanry Yu (IBN and NUS)
(ii) Alternative Invited guest lecturers (local and
lecturer/s:
international)
Lectures, regular discussions and/or tutorials
To be recommended by the respective tutors (handouts or
lecture notes or recommended reading material will be
provided a week in advance)
To be recommended by the respective tutors
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