BCH 3031: Advanced Molecular Biology: Modern concepts and applications
This unit is focussed on advanced aspects of DNA as the genetic component of organisms and cells and will emphasize the following topics:
- Genome structure
- Functional genomics
- Recombinant DNA technology and human disease
- Technologies for treatment of disease
This unit is specially designed for students in the third year of the Bachelor of Science degree. It follows directly from the Molecular Biology units MOL2011 and MOL2022 in second year and has an emphasis on content that specifically complements third year Biochemistry (BCH) units BCH3021, BCH3042 and BCH3052
BCH3031 is also suitable as an elective unit for students in the third year of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree.
Lecturing Staff
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Prof Rod Devenish, Convenor
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Dr Terry Kwok, Deputy Convenor
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A/Prof Jackie Wilce
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A/Prof Tim Cole
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Dr Peter Boag
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Prof David Jans
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Dr David Piedrafita
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Dr Ian Smyth
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Organisation of the unit
BCH3031 consists of 2 lectures per week and one 3 hour practical session per week and 1 tutorial per week. Two tutorial sessions have been scheduled per week and attendance and active participation in discussion by students at one of these sessions is highly recommended.
Practical/Small Group Teaching work:
Students will be assessed on the basis of:
their comprehension, diligence and general laboratory performance
their comprehension and participation in the discussion groups held in conjunction with the practical exercises
results sheets which are to be completed and handed in according to the instructions from your demonstrator
Satisfactory performance in the Prac/SGT of BCH3031 is required to achieve a pass in BCH3031 in addition to satisfactory performance in the examinations.
Topics covered
Genome Structure
Organisation of eukaryote genomes. Packaging of DNA in chromosomes and chromatin. Understanding the essential elements of chromosomes.
Nuclear organisation and eukaryotic replication. Timing and pattern of eukaryotic replication in relation to chromosome structure and packaging. The linear end problem - telomere replication.
Functional rearrangements in DNA (e.g. immunoglobulin and trypanosome surface antigen genes).
Whole genome mapping/sequencing. The human genome and non-coding sequences/repeat sequences/retroviral/non-retroviral RNA elements
Functional Genomics
DNA-binding motifs in gene regulatory proteins. The function of genetic switches in regulating gene expression.
The influence of chromatin structure and gene location on gene expression. Targeted and ordered recruitment of chromatin modifying activities. Novel mechanisms of transcriptional activation.
The transcriptosome - profiling gene expression at the mRNA level. Application of serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) and DNA microchip arrays to the comparison of expressed genes in normal, developmental and disease states.
Gene control and microRNAs
Studying gene and protein function: mutants, identification of functional homologues from other species, two hybrid analysis, gene knockouts and the systematic study of protein interactions in cell physiology
RNA transport and localisation. RNA export from the nucleus. RNA localisation within the cytoplasm.
The life cycle of eukaryotic RNAs. The alternative fates of mRNA.
Large scale approaches to understanding how genes work and how they contribute to disease.
Using animal models to understand disease processes and to assess the efficacy of potential therapies.
Genomic Technologies and Human Disease
Analysis of human genetic diseases.
New technologies to analyse human genomes.
Gene mutations that alter susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Genetic testing of individuals and populations
Technologies for Treatment of Disese and Infection
Beyond the Human Genome Project - Large scale studies for the identification of disease susceptibility markers. Applications in population studies (disease susceptibility), and pharmacogenetics (differences in drug responses between individuals).
Using genomic information in drug development. Targeting the protein through rational drug design, antibody development or library screening.
The powerful technology of anti-sense and RNAi for gene regulation and its potential in gene therapy.
DNA vaccines.
Advances in gene therapy. Prospects for use of human stem cells/tissue engineering/
growing new organs
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