Undergraduate Life Sciences Curriculum
Introduction
As the Life Sciences have assumed an increasingly prominent position in Singapore and the world, the Department of Physiology in the Faculty of Medicine has taken a leadership role in providing students with education and training through the University's Undergraduate Life Sciences Curriculum. The Life Sciences Curriculum focuses on three areas of concentration: Biomedical Science, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Biology. The Department of Physiology is heavily involved in the areas of Biomedical Science (BMS) and Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB). Graduates in these areas of study are well prepared to participate in the imminent expansion of Life Science-related research, teaching and innovation.
The department anchors several modules tailored to foster creative and critical scientific thinking in our students. These modules are:
LSM3212- Human Physiology: Cardiopulmonary System
The heart and lungs are central to the maintenance of homeostasis in the human body by bringing essential materials to and removing wastes from the body’s cells. This module covers the basic physiology of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems using exercise to illustrate the onset of homeostatic imbalances and the body’s responses to restore homeostasis. Students will be able to identify the benefits that exercise imparts to cardiorespiratory fitness and overall health and performance. LSM3213- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology
This module aims firstly to introduce third year students to neurobiology and secondly to impart fundamental concepts and principles in neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, neurochemistry and cell biology of the nervous system. The fascination with how the brain works remains to this day and it is still very much a mystery. The first step on this quest begins with understanding the fundamental principles underlying the molecular and cellular functions of neuronal and glial cells, the building blocks of the brain. This module seeks
(1) to inform;
(2) to challenge on the basis that scientific enquiry is uncertain while knowledge is tentative and
(3) to relate neurobiology to our lives providing examples of the working of the auditory system and in disorders such as channelopathies and Parkinson’s disease.
The topics include:
(1) Neuronal signalling;
(2) Mechanisms of neurotransmission;
(3) Neuronal growth, regeneration and degeneration and
(4) Glial function and neurogrowth factors.
LSM3214- Human Physiology: Hormones and Health
This module covers several human physiological systems using hormonal control of homeostasis as a basis for understanding normal function and health. The student will be able to appreciate the interactions occurring amongst the endocrine, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems, and be able to relate them to the body’s biological rhythms (or clocks), growth, responses to stress, and reproductive processes. Major Topics Covered: endocrine system, central endocrine glands, peripheral endocrine glands, digestive system, digestive processes, energy balance, urinary system, fluid processing, fluid balance, reproductive system, male reproductive physiology, female reproductive physiology. LSM4213- System Neurobiology
The primary goal of this module is to understand how
a) neurons, assembled into circuits, mediate behaviour and
b) pathophysiology of neurons leading to dysfunctional cellular and molecular processes and behaviour.
This course draws on basic knowledge of the cell biology and physiology of neurons.
LSM4232- Advanced Cell Biology
This module will explore the changes that occur in animal cells as they grow, mature, differentiate, and either senesce or renew themselves. Insights into the mechanisms that govern how and when particular developmental alterations occur will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the cellular molecular mechanisms that lend themselves to experimental manipulation. LSM4243- Tumour Biology
This module deals with the understanding of processes that regulate cell growth and proliferation, and the intricate mechanism(s) that result in abnormal proliferation and oncogenesis. Molecular basis of immortalisation and the acquisition of the neoplastic phenotype, namely oncogene activation, immune evasion, potential for local and distant spread, and resistance to cell death etc. will be discussed. Role of DNA damage/repair, telomere/telomerase in genome instability and tumourigenesis will be examined. A brief session on target therapies including gene therapy approaches will also be included. Tumour immunology role of inflammation in tumours will be discussed.
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