
Learn about the structure and function of DNA and how it creates the genetic code
See how DNA replicates so as to maintain life
Learn how proteins are created from DNA - Transcription
Understand RNA
Learn about different cell types and how processes vary in them
Learn how proteins are made from DNA - Translation
See how processes in different cell types varies
Examine the role that proteins play in living systems
Explore enzymes and hormones
See what types of mutations can occur
Learn about how do mutations affect the genetic code
Take a look at what causes mutations
Take a look at some of the diseases caused by mutations
How is cloning used in biochemistry and why is it used
What are the steps in cloning
Learn about PCR, restriction enzymes and plasmids (vectors)
How is cloning performed in the laboratory
What are the outcomes of cloning
Explore small molecule drug design, what it is and how it is performed
See why small molecule drug design is changing the way we make new drugs
Using the example of Imatinb, follow the stages of drug design using the rational drug design method.
Discover what CRISPR is
See how was CRISPR discovered
Look at how it is used in the laboratory
Take a look at the current applications of CRISPR-Cas9 - how it is being used in the laboratory
See how experiments are set up
What are the outcomes of these experiments
This is an introductory lecture series fit for students and hobby learners alike. During the course you will cover the basics of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics. You will explore the structure and function of DNA, taking a look at what it is and how it is structured to create the genetic code, as well as how it replicates. You will see how proteins are made from DNA using RNA and how these proteins function to keep life sustained in different types of cells while taking a closer look at enzymes and hormones. You will take a look at mutations and see how they manifest and what causes them, while exploring some of the diseases which are associated with them. Next, you will explore the process of cloning for experimental purposes, what it involves, how it works and how it is applied in the laboratory to affect gene expression. You will take a look at the what cancer is and how it metastasises. Following this, you will explore small molecule drug design (rational drug design) focussing on the small molecule inhibitor Imatinib. Here your will take a look at how it was designed and how it functions to help patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia. Finally, you will explore CRISPR-Cas9, what it is and how it was discovered taking a look at its applications in the laboratory.