Description of Courses
Not all courses are offered every year.
BS7001 Foundation Course in Molecular & Cell Biology
The aim of this course is to ensure the graduate students to have fundamental knowledge on topics of molecular and cell biology. Topics covered include: molecular and cellular mechanisms, genomic manipulations, control of gene expression, molecular immunology, virology, cancer biology, and hereditary diseases.
BS7002 Foundation Course in Structural, Computational & Chemical Biology
The aim of this course is to ensure the graduate students to have fundamental knowledge on topics of structural and computational biology. Topics covered include: computational tools in bioinformatics, biological databases, combinatorial libraries, structural prediction of proteins, biophysical principle of biomolecular assembly, and enzymatic mechanisms.
BS7003 Graduate Seminar Course
To provide the graduate students a broad view on cutting edge research in the biological sciences. A series of seminars will be arranged to provide the graduate students a broad view on cutting edge research in the biological sciences. Speakers invited are faculty members of local universities, principle investigators of research institutes, and overseas visiting academics.
BS7109 Special Topics in Structural Biology
To keep students working in structural & computational biology acquainted with the current development of the subject. To acquire an in-depth understanding of the three dimensional atomic structure of biological macromolecules and the relationship between the conformation of proteins and nucleic acids with the biological activities of binding, transport, signaling and catalysis.
BS7307 Current Topics in Genetics & Genomics
To keep students working in Genomics and Genetics acquainted with the current development of the subject and offer them the opportunity to explore the topic of Genetics and Genomics in more depth and intensity. It aims to cover most recent advances in Genetic and Genomics research in order to bring the students from the realm of textbooks to the reality of contemporary science.
BS7405 Current topics in muscle biology and neuromuscular diseases
This course uses skeletal muscle development as a paradigm to teach latest concepts in developmental biology and organogenesis. It also emphasizes the importance of “chalones” in organ growth and size regulation. This highly research focused course is an essential components of modern biology and is included in the curriculum of graduate students as a part of “Current concepts. Another compelling reason to introduce this course is to give the graduate students a chance to learn and integrate the muscle developmental biology with state of the art therapeutic applications of stem cell biology and gene therapy. Given that the booming biotech industry in Singapore requires potential employees with concepts in modern biology such as stem cells, it is only appropriate to teach this course to the graduate students who will be potentially seeking employment and/or research careers.
The aims and objectives of the course are to gain in depth knowledge in
- skeletal muscle biology
- its development and disease that affect muscles
- Muscle stem cells and its applications
- Gene therapy
BS7406 Current Topics in Cell Biology
To keep students working in Molecular & Cell Biology acquainted with the current development of the subject. Through presentations and discussions of current topics in cell biology, we hope that students will have the opportunity to explore the up-to-dated knowledge and advanced techniques in cell biology research. In addition, this course will help students to develop the ability in evaluating experiments critically and stimulating their creative thinking.
BS7408 Current Topics in Immunology
To keep students working in Molecular & Cell Biology acquainted with the current development of the subject. Selected topics in immunology will be covered in greater depth. This course requires students to perform literature searches and reading of original publications and review articles on selected areas in immunology. Students are also required to participate actively in small group discussions, presentations, and report writings.
BS7411 Current Topics in Virology / Microbiology
To keep students working in Molecular & Cell Biology acquainted with the current development of the subject. It offer students the opportunity to explore the topic of Virology and Microbiology in more depth and intensity. Strong focus will be placed on a good understanding of challenges of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
BS7107 Computational Biology and Modeling
Students engaged in research in modelling will need to be familiarized with the relevant techniques. In this subject basic ideas for understanding biological phenomena using principles from underlying physical and chemical foundations used in computer modelling approaches are introduced. Emphasis will be on how these computational tools are applied to biological areas such as protein folding, membrane fusion, enzyme activity, drug-target interaction. These methods are illustrated with modern computer based laboratory practicals with graphical display of biological molecules. A variety of computational methods and modeling strategies are introduced, such as classical force field based on quantum theory and coarse grained models. Basic sampling techniques, such as Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics and Langevin dynamics simulation will be described.
BS7210 Pharmacology
With research programme in drug discovery, it is important for students in this discipline to acquire knowledge in pharmacology. This course consists of a series of lectures aiming at providing students with the necessary background knowledge pertaining to the field of pharmacology. Classes of drugs used clinically are introduced in a systematic approach, according to the major organ systems in the human body. Throughout the course, students will also engage in exercises where case studies are analyzed based on the topics covered.
BS7212 Drug Discovery and Development/Biotechnology
To keep students working in Chemical Biology & Biotechnology acquainted with the current development of the subject. Deals with the principles and technologies involved in the transition from basic biological research to the development of novel drugs.
BS7213 Functional genomics and proteomics
Genomics and proteomics are necessary tools for research in all areas of biological sciences. The progress in these fields are so fast that constant up-dating the techniques is necessary. Students will learn contemporary methods for genomic and proteomic analyses with emphasis on proteomic technologies and the application of proteomics to a wide range of biomedical researches. The course will cover mass spectrometry and microarray-based technologies, both for nucleic acids and proteins; the theory and practice on use of mass spectrometry for genotyping, gene expression analysis, protein identification and posttranslational modification characterizations; and protein expression analyses using different quantitative genomics and proteomics methods. Students will also be exposed to applications of these technologies in biomedical researches such as disease association studies, cancer research, stem cell, regenerative medicine, infective disease, pharmacology, and drug discovery.
BS7414 Advanced Microscopy
The course will enable graduate students to develop theoretical and hands-on expertise with light microscopes, teaching graduate students different advance imaging techniques that are commonly used in biological sciences research.
BS7415 From Systems Biology to Synthetic Biology
This course will provide student with a solid foundation to understand the cutting edge research in the fields of systems biology, synthetic biology and artificial life.
|
