NEUROSCIENCE
PROGRAMME

Stem cell research and biotechnology has great promise for the future of regenerative medicine. The course covers the stem cell biology of various organ systems particularly in the context of human diseases, the state-of-the-art biotechnologies for stem cell research and their applications in disease modelling, treatment and drug development. In addition, non-scientific aspects such as bioethics, political developments, future development and challenges of stem cell research will also be discussed. Hands-on laboratory experience will be provided. Upon completion, students should have solid knowledge of stem cell biology and their implications in tissue homeostasis and diseases, as well as the latest biotechnologies for stem cell research and their applications.

​

Assessment: 40% continuous assessment; 60% examination

Prerequisite: Pass in any one of the following courses: BIOC2600 Basic Biochemistry, BIOL2220 Fundamentals of Biochemistry, BIOL3401 Molecular Biology, BBMS2007 Essential Molecular Biology, BBMS3017 Advanced Physiological Science

This is an advanced course aiming to provide students with the latest frontier on molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the structure and function of the central nervous system. This interdisciplinary course covers fundamental concepts on the molecular basis of brain functions during development and aging, and discusses how dysregulation of these processes might lead to various brain disorders. Topics include axon guidance, synaptic transmission, formation and plasticity of synapses, learning and memory, and diseases of the nervous systems such as cognitive and emotional disturbance. Lectures tutorials, presentation of research papers and research-oriented practical training are emphasized so as to expose students to different research areas in molecular neuroscience.

​

Assessment: 50% continuous assessment; 50% examination

Prerequisite: Pass in any one of these courses: BBMS1001 Human Biology, BIOC2600 Basic Biochemistry, BIOL2220 Principles of Biochemistry, MEDE2302 Life Sciences II (Cell Biology & Physiology), PSYC2101, PSYC2110

The course covers the major aspects of animal physiology for environmental adaptation in terrestrial & aquatic habitats. Stress will be given to the functional interactions between animals and the environment, especially on the mechanisms by which animals obtain resources for survival from the environment, detect environmental changes via sensory structures, and respond to adversities in the environment by altering their body forms & functions.

​

Assessment: 30% continuous assessment; 70% examination

Prerequisite: BIOL2103 or BIOL2220 or BIOC2600 or MEDE2301

Medical imaging is an indispensible technology in modern healthcare and biomedical research. It provides in vivo anatomical, physiological and functional information of the human body in normal, developing and pathological states. The rapid development in this field not only leads to better disease diagnosis and more accurate treatment efficacy assessment, but also paves the way for better understanding of living biological systems.

 

This course presents the mathematical, physical, and computational principles underlying modern medical imaging systems. It will cover fundamentals of conventional (X-ray and Ultrasound) and modern (Computerized Tomography – CT; Magnetic Resonance Imaging – MRI; Nuclear Imaging and Optical Imaging) imaging techniques applied to biological systems and in medical diagnoses and the interpretations of these images. Techniques for the visualization, segmentation, and analysis of medical image data will also be discussed, as well as applications of medical imaging.

 

At the end of the course, students should gain a clear understanding in the physics, working principles and mathematics involved in the various imaging modalities covered. They should also be able to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of the subject and learn the latest development or advancement in the field of medical imaging.

​

Assessment: 30% continuous assessment; 70% examination

Prerequisite: Pass in BMED2500 or ELEC3241