Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOC4610 Advanced biochemistry (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biomedical Sciences Quota 70
Course Co-ordinator Dr W C W Chan, Biomedical Sciences < cwilson@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr W C W Chan,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof J F C Ti,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof R Hervas Millan,Biomedical Sciences)
Course Objectives This course aims at providing students an in-depth understanding of molecular and cellular signaling in multicellular organisms. This course is particularly useful for students interested in research or intending to develop a career in biomedical sciences.
Course Contents & Topics A. Inter and intracellular signal transduction mechanisms
Cell-surface receptors and signal transduction proteins; G-Protein-coupled receptors: structure and mechanism; signaling pathways that control gene expression: receptors that activate protein tyrosine kinases, the Ras/MAP kinase pathway, phosphoinositide signaling pathways and receptor serine kinases that activate Smads

B. Cytoskeleton as target of signal transduction
The microtubule cytoskeleton; kinesin and dynein motor; the actin cytoskeleton; myosin; the intermediate filament; cytoskeletion and cell behavior; cytoskeleton and intracellular transport in neuron

C. Protein trafficking and sorting pathways
Translocation of secretory proteins - insertion into the ER; major protein sorting pathways; protein modification, folding and quality control in the ER; molecular mechanism of vesicular traffic; protein sorting and processing

D. Cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion
Cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) junctions and their adhesion molecules; cadherins and integrins; collagens and proteoglycans; when cell meets the matrix; regulation of signaling molecules by ECM
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 describe and explain the molecular and cellular signal transduction mechanisms that mediate cellular communication to achieve a plethora of cellular responses in multicellular organisms
CLO 2 apply knowledge in molecular cell biology to analyze new findings and to design further experiments
CLO 3 interpret data in research articles/problem-solving questions and communicate using appropriate scientific language
CLO 4 work effectively with classmates in tutorial classes
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOC3601 or BIOL3401 or BIOL3402 or BIOL3404
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2022 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2021 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        1st sem    Examination Dec     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough and complete mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of critical thinking and analytical skills, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some critical thinking and analytical skills, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some critical thinking, but with limited analytical skills. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of critical thinking and analytical skills. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems.
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 Problem-solving questions and quizzes 50.0 1,2,3,4
Examination 50.0 1,2,3
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Lodish H et al (2016) Molecular Cell Biology, 8th ed. Freeman (New York) & Macmillan (England).
Alberts B et al (2014) Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th ed. Garland Science, New York.
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL


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