This course gives fundamentals of diverse fields of life science and introduction of current topics. On the basis of the knowledge given in "Fundamental Life Science 1-1", the classes cover more details of the central dogma and protein functions, and fundamentals of enzymes, lipids and membranes, signal transduction and membrane transport, as well as current topics such as biofuel and developmental engineering.
This course aims to provide fundamental knowledge on life sciences as the basis not only for advanced life sciences but also for broad fields in science and technology.
By the end of this course, students will understand the fundamentals of life sciences, which shall be the basis for broad fields in advanced science and technology. In addition, the students will more deeply understand current topics related to life sciences.
biology, genome, enzyme, body plan, bioinformatics
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Students will learn about the topics with a textbook, PowerPoint slides, and handouts. Students are divided into eight classes (in Japanese) and one (in English), taking a class session once per week.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Gene expression and its regulation | Understand the basic mechanisms for gene expression and its regulation |
Class 2 | DNA replication and repair | Understand the basic mechanisms of DNA replication and repair |
Class 3 | Protein synthesis (translation, modification, folding) and degradation | Understand the basic processes of protein synthesis and degradation |
Class 4 | Enzyme and chemical kinetics: proteins as catalysts | Understand the basis of enzymatic reactions |
Class 5 | Lipids, biological membrane, and biofuel | Understand the basic structure and functions of lipids and biological membranes |
Class 6 | Signal transduction and membrane transport | Understand the basic mechanisms of signal transduction and membrane transport |
Class 7 | Stem cell and developmental engineering | Understand the basis of stem cell and developmental engineering |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
"Biology", C. Starr, C.A. Evers, L. Starr(Japanese classes: A-H)
"Introduction to Biology", MIT OpenCourseWare (K class)
Learning achievement is evaluated by short tests using Google Form in every classes and a final exam (basically in face).
Students are expected to have completed Fundamental Life Science 1-1 and Fundamental Life Science1-2 (not conditioned).
Students of class K (English) can ask questions to Prof. Takahashi
Contact by e-mail only.