Molecular biology is a diverse field that investigates the complex networking between the different molecules that make up the biological system, starting from DNA decoding and ending with large protein complexes. Over decades, intensive studies in this field have been providing powerful tools for the development of various diagnostic assays and molecular targeting therapies. Indeed, today?s technological advances in the multi-disciplinary field of biotechnology could not have been possible without molecular biology research.
This course is divided into two main parts; the first one explores the structure and mechanisms of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, and the various techniques and approaches used in manipulating and studying these molecules. Furthermore, it covers the different mechanisms of DNA repair and recombination and emphasizes how these mechanisms provided molecular biologists with tools to study gene function and develop gene therapy approaches. The second part of the course focuses on gene expression, mechanisms of gene expression regulation, high and low through-put analysis of gene expression, and the various approaches to studying gene function in vitro and in transgenic mice.
The main aim of this course is to stimulate and enhance critical thinking skills through detailed analysis of the concepts, research methodology, and experimental design in the field of molecular biology. By introducing students to the core principles of molecular biology and the past discoveries that paved the ground to today?s technologies, students will develop an appreciation for those discoveries and be influenced to transform simple concepts into new discoveries and translate ideas into practice.