Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOC3606 Molecular medicine (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biomedical Sciences Quota 50
Course Co-ordinator Prof D Y Jin, Biomedical Sciences < dyjin@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr. CP Chan,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr. ZW Ye,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof D Y Jin,Biomedical Sciences)
Course Objectives To provide up-to-date knowledge of the molecular and cellular basis of selected human diseases including cancer and infection with HIV and influenza viruses, thereby preparing the students for a career in biomedical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical and genomic research.
Course Contents & Topics This course covers cell signaling in relation to human diseases, molecular basis of cancer and viral diseases, and molecular therapeutics. Specific topics may include cell signaling, mouse model of human diseases, oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, genome instability, HIV science, genetics and pathogenesis of influenza viruses, molecular approaches to vaccine development, immune checkpoint therapy, stem cells and stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and nucleic acid therapeutics. Basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular cell biology is assumed for students taking this course.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 explain the molecular mechanisms underlying selected human diseases including cancer and emerging infections
CLO 2 illustrate the application of molecular biology in medicine with examples; apply biochemical, molecular and cell biological, genetic, immunological as well as microbiological principles and methods to solve new medical problems
CLO 3 interpret and communicate new results about molecular aspects of medicine in the literature to a wider audience in the community
CLO 4 integrate and translate knowledge in molecular biology to new approaches in disease prevention and intervention
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOC2600 or BIOL2220 or MEDE2301 or BMED2301
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5 >
2025 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5 >
2024 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5 >
2023 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5 >
2022 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,3,4,5 >
2021 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5 >
2021 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,3,4,5 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        2nd sem    Examination May     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Displays a comprehensive grasp of the key concepts underlying the molecular basis of human diseases, with few omissions or errors. Able to articulate clearly with examples how knowledge in molecular biology can lead to new strategies in disease prevention and intervention. Evidence of strong analytical and critical thinking when dealing with complex scientific data. Some evidence for additional information beyond what is given in the lectures.
B Displays a substantial and near-complete grasp of the key concepts underlying the molecular basis of human diseases, but without depth in some areas and with some omissions and factual errors. An understanding of the topic though is clear. Able to relate knowledge in molecular biology to new strategies in disease prevention and intervention. Able to apply analytical and critical thinking skills when dealing with scientific data.
C Displays a general understanding of the key concepts underlying the molecular basis of human disease and is sometimes able to relate knowledge in molecular biology to new strategies in disease prevention and intervention. Sometimes able to apply analytical and critical thinking skills when dealing with scientific data.
D Displays a limited understanding of the key concepts underlying the molecular basis of human disease and is rarely able to relate knowledge in molecular biology to new strategies in disease prevention and intervention. Evidence of weak analytical and critical thinking skills when dealing with scientific data.
Fail Displays an incorrect or incomplete understanding of the key concepts underlying the molecular basis of human disease and is unable to relate this knowledge to effective treatment strategies. No evidence of analytical or critical thinking skills when dealing with scientific data.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 12.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments in-class quizzes 20.0 1,2,3,4
Examination 50.0 1,2,3,4
Test 30.0 1,2,3,4
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Lodish et al: Molecular Cell Biology 9th ed., 2021
Alberts et al: Molecular Biology of the Cell 6th ed., 2015 (4th ed. is available at NCBI Books)
Plopper et al: Lewin's Cells, 3rd ed., 2014
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL


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