Cell Structure & Function: Biochemistry

I. Objective

Cell structure and function is the biological basis for human health and disease. Modern medical practice seeks to improve quality of life through better management of healthy life styles, eradication of disease and alleviation of suffering. New understandings and recent advances in diagnostics and therapeutics have been the result of applying basic science principles to clinical contexts. Our awareness of how cells behave (cell physiology) and how biological molecules make up cell structures that carry out the functions of cells, tissues and the whole body (biochemistry and molecular biology) has rapidly progressed through biomedical research, such as that which is being carry out at the University of Rochester. Advancements in basic information constantly change the way we think about important medical issues in nutrition, development, aging, disease causing agents, stress, environmental hazards, tissue repair, immunology and the functions of the central and peripheral nervous system. Correspondingly, current medical practice demands proactive patient management skills that rely on a broad foundation in biomedical science training sufficient for the practitioner to keep pace with future developments in medicine.

With this in mind, the objectives of the CSF course are to:

1. Introduce the medical student to the basic concepts and terminology associated with the disciplines of biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology in the context fo human biology and medicine



2. Provide the student with a context for understanding biological processes, their regulation and their integration using examples from human health and disease



3. To practice solving biomedical problems at the cellular and molecular level



4. Provide the student with a foundation in cell structure and function that will encourage and facilitate future thinking and learning experiences in the remaining years of medical school and beyond