Molecular Cell Biology is a foundational course for life science students, aiming to provide a systematic understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular life processes.
The course is developed based on the internationally recognized textbook Molecular Cell Biology by Lodish and colleagues. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to molecular and cellular biology, covering 22 chapters and a wide range of topics. Considering the extensive scope of the textbook, this course selects several core topics that are closely associated with the flow and regulation of genetic information to establish a coherent learning pathway.
The course focuses on how biological information is stored, transmitted, regulated, and translated into cellular functions. Starting from cellular structures and protein functions, students will progressively explore DNA structure, DNA replication, transcription, gene expression regulation, and cellular signaling pathways. Since many signaling pathways ultimately regulate cellular behaviors through controlling gene expression, this framework helps students understand the dynamic relationship between molecular mechanisms and cellular functions.
The course consists of five thematic modules:
Module 1: Biological Molecules and Cellular Structures
This module introduces the basic structures and functions of biological molecules, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.
Module 2: Protein Structure and Function
This module focuses on protein structures, protein synthesis, degradation, and functional regulation.
Module 3: DNA Structure and Information Flow
This module covers DNA structure, DNA replication, transcription, and translation, emphasizing the mechanisms of genetic information transfer.
Module 4: Regulation of Gene Expression
This module introduces transcription factors, regulatory elements, and epigenetic mechanisms involved in controlling gene expression.
Module 5: Cellular Signaling and Regulation
This module focuses on growth factor and cytokine signaling pathways, including classical pathways such as RTK, Ras/MAPK, JAK/STAT, and TGF-β signaling, highlighting how extracellular signals regulate cellular activities and gene expression.
Because Molecular Cell Biology involves highly abstract concepts, complex regulatory networks, and extensive scientific terminology, the course provides a comprehensive online learning resource system, including English lecture videos, English PowerPoint slides, lecture notes, concept maps, podcasts, exercises, and professional terminology resources.
The course is also supported by BioTerm, an AI-powered biological terminology assistant, which helps students learn scientific terminology through structured explanations, including definitions, biological applications, related concepts, and knowledge connections. Students can search using either English terms or Chinese concepts and interact with the AI assistant for further exploration.
Through the integration of classroom instruction, online learning resources, and AI-assisted learning, this course aims to help students develop a systematic understanding of Molecular Cell Biology, improve scientific English abilities, and build a solid foundation for advanced study and research in life sciences.
