SBL100/SBL100P – Introductory Biology for Engineers
4 Credits (3-0-2)
Lecture:
Darwinian evolution and molecular perspective; introduction to phylogeny and classification systems; cellular assemblies from single-cell to multicellular organisms—geometry, structure, and energetics; comparing natural versus human-made machines; infection, disease, and evolution; immunology as an example of biological permutations and combinations; cancer biology—control and regulation; stem cells and degeneracy in biological systems; engineering designs inspired by biology from micro- to macro-scales.
Laboratory:
Biosafety; buffers in biology—microlitre measurements, preparation of standard buffers, buffering capacity and pKa; cellular responses to different buffering conditions; light and fluorescence microscopy to observe cell surface and intracellular contents; real-time video microscopy for cellular motion; visualization of intracellular molecular components such as proteins and genomic DNA.
⸻
SBL201 – High-Dimensional Biology
3 Credits (3-0-0)
Pre-requisite: SBL100
Introduction to genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and cellomics; size, packaging, and replication challenges; biomolecular architecture and assemblies; immortal cells and aging; minimalist and designer genomes; molecular engines; proteins as nanobiomachines; network circuits for genome organization and protein–protein interactions; biochemical cycles and feedback loops; omics applications; forensics; drug targets.
⸻
SBL500/ SBL5000/ SBL500P/ SBL5000P – Molecular Cell Biology & Genetics
4 Credits (3-0-2)
Lecture:
Tools of cell biology; architecture of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; DNA, RNA, and genetic code; chromosomes and genome organization; molecular basis of inheritance including Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics; genetic linkage and mapping; DNA replication, mutation, repair, and recombination; gene expression—transcription, RNA processing, epigenetics, and translation; population genetics; protein synthesis, processing, regulation, and proteostasis; cell cycle; non-coding RNA; cell renewal and cell death; special topics including the Human Genome Project.
Laboratory:
Visualization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; cellular growth requirements and growth phases; bacterial motility; mammalian cell culture; chromosome staining in onion root tip cells; genomic DNA isolation; restriction digestion; PCR; human blood antigen identification.
⸻
SBL630/SBL6030/ SBL630P/ SBL6030P – Advanced Cellular Biology
4 Credits (3-0-2)
Lecture:
Membrane organization and cellular ultrastructure; intracellular and vesicular transport; ER and Golgi function; protein folding and chaperone-assisted mechanisms; cytoskeleton organization; mitochondria and chloroplasts; cell signalling pathways; cell cycle regulation; apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and other cell death mechanisms; stem cells and their applications; cellular hallmarks of cancer; modern techniques in cell biology.
Laboratory:
Fluorescent visualization of cellular organelles; plasmid transfection and GFP expression; BrdU staining and FACS-based cell cycle analysis; gradient ultracentrifugation for organelle separation.
⸻
SBR7010 / SBR7011 – Special Topics in Research
Credits (2-0-0)
Specialized research topics assigned by the coordinator; discussion of individual research progress; critical evaluation of recent literature relevant to the students’ research areas; seminars, presentations, and peer critique as part of laboratory activities.
⸻
SBV895/SBV8095 – Developmental Biology
1 Credit (1-0-0)
Principles of animal development from fertilization to adulthood; gene regulatory networks; cell fate determination and differentiation; axis formation and patterning; organogenesis and tissue homeostasis; growth, aging, and senescence; regeneration and reuse of developmental mechanisms; comparative and evolutionary developmental biology; model organisms and experimental approaches in developmental biology.
⸻
SBL727/SBL7027 – Advanced Developmental Biology
3 Credits (3-0-0)
Developmental anatomy; cellular identity and competence; differential gene expression; model organisms; signalling pathways in fate specification and patterning; cell cycle and programmed cell death; metabolic regulation of cell fate; cellular reprogramming technologies and therapeutic implications; developmental basis of birth defects and disease; regulation of cellular identity in cancer; protein homeostasis in health, aging, and disease; tissue maintenance, repair, and replacement; microbiome in health and disease; omics in disease biology.