Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOC4612 Molecular biology of the gene (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biomedical Sciences Quota 50
Course Co-ordinator Dr B H B Yuen, Biomedical Sciences < yuenbbh@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr B H B Yuen,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr D Han,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof J A Tanner,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof SK Liang,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof ZJ Zhou,Biomedical Sciences)
Course Objectives To provide an up-to-date knowledge of molecular biology, especially with respect to the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression.
Course Contents & Topics This is a comprehensive course covering many detailed molecular aspects of gene regulation and gene function.  Through this course an understanding of how gene expression can be regulated at levels of transcription and post transcription will be gained.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 describe the mechanisms that regulate transcription, RNA processing, and translation in eukaryotic cells
CLO 2 explain how cellular homeostasis is maintained through the coordinated regulation of gene expression at multiple levels
CLO 3 illustrate the hierarchical regulation of gene expression in stem cells and throughout developmental processes
CLO 4 apply practical skills to study chromatin structure, quantify DNA methylation, and interpret experimental data related to gene regulation
CLO 5 collaborate effectively with classmates in tutorials and group activities
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOC3601 or BIOL3401 or BIOL3402 or BIOL3404 or BBMS2007
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
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        2nd sem    Examination May     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrates a deep and comprehensive understanding of the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and its relevance to disease and effectively relates the knowledge to developmental processes. Uses skill and insight to analyse and interpret experimental data from gene regulation studies.
B Demonstrates a competent grasp of the key concepts in the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and its relevance to disease and is able to link the knowledge to developmental processes. Correctly analyses and interprets experimental data from gene regulation studies.
C Demonstrates a basic understanding of the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and its relevance to disease and is sometimes able to relate the knowledge to developmental processes. Displays a limited capacity to analyse and interpret experimental data from gene regulation studies.
D Demonstrates a simplistic knowledge of the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and rarely relates the information to developmental processes. Displays weak analytical skills and is rarely able to interpret experimental data from gene regulation studies.
Fail Demonstrates incomplete or incorrect knowledge of the regulation of gene expression and is unable to relate the ideas to developmental processes. Unable to analyse or interpret experimental data from gene regulation studies.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture with laboratory component course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Laboratory 8.0
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 4.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 40.0 1,2,3,4,5
Examination 40.0 1,2,3,4
Laboratory reports 20.0 1,2,3,4,5
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Alberts B et al. (2014) Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th ed. Garland Science, New York.
Watson JD et al. (2014) Molecular Biology of the Gene, 7th ed. Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco.
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL


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