Structure and function of the cell and sub-cellular organelles; from genes to proteins; membrane and cytoskeleton; cell communication and cell signaling; cell cycle and programmed cell death.
This course aims to provide a general understanding of modern instruments used in biological research with special emphasis on bright-field and fluorescence light microscopes, electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, NMR, MRI, mass spectrometer, and electrophysiology. The approach is a practical one geared to students who are or will be using these instruments in research. The course consists of both lectures and demonstration. During the lectures, students learn basic principles of biological instrumentation and the performance of the instruments. In the demonstration, students apply the understanding gained during the lectures and learn how the instrumentation is used to address biological questions.
This course introduces the use of physical methods in the study of biological systems, including macromolecules, membranes, nerves, muscle, photosynthetic systems and visual systems. The biological systems to which the methods are applied will be surveyed and current interpretations of their structure and function will be discussed. The treatment of biological phenomena will be based on physical principles with appropriate mathematics when necessary. The emphasis will be on the applications of physics in biology.
Credit(s): 3
Prerequisite(s):
(LIFS 1901 OR Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology) AND (PHYS 1111 OR PHYS 1112 OR PHYS 1312)
Our current understanding of biochemical reactions and internal organization of a cell was progressively enriched by technological and conceptual breakthroughs in the 20th century. This course will use personal and scientific stories of six prominent scientists to highlight research areas that are still being actively pursued today. Topics to include are DNA and protein biochemistry, physical and chemical methods for biological research, and the use of model organisms.
