BIOL 318: Introduction to Cell Biology

The student will study Cell biology; the structure and function of cells and the organelles they contain. This study includes their life cycle, division, self-replication and death processes. The student will develop this knowledge further with the study of Genetics and molecular biology.  In Genetics, the student will study the structure and function of genes and genomes. The Molecular Biology that underpins the manipulation of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) will form the basis of a lectured material and a practical session. This introduces DNA manipulation and study in the laboratory. The student will then extend this knowledge into the study of the role of genes and mutations in inheritance of disease. This will introduced Clinical Genetics with the identification of genetic mutations and polymorphisms and their influence on disease processes are discussed.