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BMS2021 · Human molecular cell biology

Official Handbook

2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 2School of Biomedical Sciences

Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTC

Overview

This unit covers the molecular principles of cellular metabolic regulation, metabolic interrelationship of tissues, molecular events associated with the fed and fasted states, and the generation of metabolic energy by oxidation of macronutrients. It discusses hormone action and the molecular and cellular basis of diseases, and gives an overview of tissue metabolism. The autonomic control of energy, exercise and metabolism, and how drugs can modulate these processes will be considered and discussed. The unit will also cover the molecular mechanism of cell growth, differentiation and death, and introduces the basic principles of developmental biology covering cell fate, pattern formation and tissue morphogenesis during embryonic life.

Offerings

CampusTeaching periodMode
ClaytonFirst semesterActivities scheduled as a mix of on-campus and online activities (BLENDED)

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

#AssessmentTypeWeightHurdle
1Workshop poster presentations (3 x group posters)Presentation45%
2Case study analyses (3 x sets)Written55%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

  1. Discuss how energy and nutrients are supplied to mammalian cells and how metabolism is regulated and integrated.
  2. Discuss the mechanisms by which cells communicate to coordinate metabolism, cell growth, differentiation and cell death.
  3. Describe the mechanisms by which precursor and stem cells differentiate into mature cells.
  4. Explain the molecular and cellular basis of selected diseases and how they can be modulated by drugs.
  5. Demonstrate an ability to present, analyse and interpret data from molecular and cell biological experiments clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to work in a team.

Workload

6 hr directed learning (lectures, workshops and pre- and post- class learning activities)

ActivityDuration
Workshops24 hours
Lectures24 hours

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