What you'll learn:
- DNA - what it is, how it replicates and how it makes up the genetic code
- Proteins - how they are made from DNA and what they do
- Cloning- how cloning is performed and used to create new drugs for incurable diseases
- CRISPR-Cas-9 - what it is and how it is currently being used to edit genes in the lab
This is an introductory lecture series fit for students and hobby learners alike. During the course you will cover the basics of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics. You will explore the structure and function of DNA, taking a look at what it is and how it is structured to create the genetic code, as well as how it replicates. You will see how proteins are made from DNA using RNA and how these proteins function to keep life sustained in different types of cells while taking a closer look at enzymes and hormones. You will take a look at mutations and see how they manifest and what causes them, while exploring some of the diseases which are associated with them. Next, you will explore the process of cloning for experimental purposes, what it involves, how it works and how it is applied in the laboratory to affect gene expression. You will take a look at the what cancer is and how it metastasises. Following this, you will explore small molecule drug design (rational drug design) focussing on the small molecule inhibitor Imatinib. Here your will take a look at how it was designed and how it functions to help patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia. Finally, you will explore CRISPR-Cas9, what it is and how it was discovered taking a look at its applications in the laboratory.
