It has become increasing aware to us that almost all of the disorders are related to genetics. Thus, building up a thinking routine based on the molecular level can provide a unique insight and perspective into understanding the development of diseases in the human body. By focusing on the molecular interactions in the cell, not only does this course provide some basic information for subsequent courses, it also helps form a scientific thought process when approaching problems.

The course mainly focuses on the following topics:

1.    Structure and functions of the nucleic acid: significant amount of diseases is related to abnormalities in either the structure or function of the gene. In order to correctly identify the molecular basis of the disorder and make effective diagnosis and treatment, the very first step is to reveal the origin of the problem from the gene level. Through learning the structure and functions of DNA and RNA, the student should understand the indispensable elements that a carrier of genetic information should have on a molecular level: structural integrity and stability, inheritability, and the potential of mutations at the same time.

2.    The central dogma and its regulations: From DNA to RNA to protein, from the carriers of the genetic information to the carriers of biological functions, this chapter discusses the basic procedures of each step of the biosynthesis pathway and the basic interaction patterns behind it. This process is strictly and delicately regulated in the cell to maintain steady functions in the cell.

3.    Mechanisms and applications of the signal transduction pathway: synchronization of cells in the organism is achieved through intercellular recognition and communication. Malfunctions in the signal transduction pathway can lead to abnormal cell proliferation or apoptosis, and is the main cause for many diseases.

4.    Mechanisms and applications of molecular biology techniques: tools developed from theoretical basis of molecular biology such as molecular cloning and molecular probes have become vital resources in clinical testing and treatments.

This course is specially designed for international medical students in China, mainly for MBBS（medicine bachelor and bachelor of surgery）students, besides, it is also good for students major in life sciences. It will be good for students in other part of the world, who major in medical and life sciences. It will also be useful for Chinese medical students or Chinese students major in life science. 

inorganic chemistry

organic chemistry

biology

Lehninger PRINCIPLES OF BIOCHEMISTRY, Seventh Edition, David L. Nelson and Michael     M. Cox.

Molecule Biology of THE CELL, Sixth Edition, Bruce Alberts et al.

Statement of Requirement for Conduct: 

1. A portion of pictures, animations, and videos presented in this course are excerpted from online resources and cited here for teaching purposes only. Please do NOT freely disperse these materials, let alone put them into commercial uses. If usage of these documents have violated the rights of the producer, please contact us at once;

2. Please respect your instructor and fellow classmates, and treat them politely; 

3. Please do NOT post illegal,  prohibited, or vastly irrelavant information on the platform    of this course.