Biochemistry

The course focuses on the molecular and pharmacological foundations of psychiatric diseases. Based on understanding of the normal brain processes involved in the functioning of the brain (and focusing on regulatory, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of neuroscience), pathological processes in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders are covered. Current treatments and new treatment options are part of an endeavor to initiate students in the exciting story of the (dys)functioning brain and its behavioral consequences. Each week expert lectures illustrate relevant topics in each domain studied. Several psychiatric disorders are explained from a clinical perspective by a psychiatrist and from a neurobiological perspective by a researcher in that particular area. The process of conducting an experiment to presenting the scientific data is reviewed. Students work individually or in small groups on each (CNS disease) topic and produce weekly products (presentations). Participants write a publication and get a walkthrough of the scientific review process. All this is performed in the framework of the development of new innovative therapeutics for CNS disorders. 

This six-week summer course provides individual research training through the experience of belonging to a specific laboratory at Tohoku University. Students are assigned to a laboratory research group with Japanese and international students under the supervision of Tohoku University faculty. They participate in various group activities, including seminars, for the purpose of training in research methods and developing teamwork skills. The specific topic studied depends on the instructor in charge of the laboratory to which each student is assigned. The methods of assessment vary with the student's project and laboratory instructor. Students submit an abstract concerning the results of their individual research each semester and present the results near the end of this program.

This course deepens knowledge of organic chemistry and organic synthesis in relation to drug molecules. Medicinal chemistry deals with the discovery, design, identification, and synthesis of drug molecules, and with the study of the relationships between the structure of a drug molecule and its behavior in the body. By looking at five major diseases, the organic synthesis and pharmacology of several drug molecules for treating these diseases are explored. A full year of Organic Chemistry is required for admission.

This is a largely practical course, which develops experimental skills. A selection of practicals and follow-up sessions designed for students taking Pharmacology PHAR0004 provide reinforcement of the material in that course. Students learn to conduct simple experiments on in vitro preparations and present their findings in a written account, use animals in medical research from the standpoint of animal welfare and ethics; set-up tissue preparations and use transducers and computers to measure tension or length changes in smooth muscle preparations; understand the experimental conditions required to maintain tissues in vitro and of the requirements to achieve stimulation of nerves using pulse generators; perform dilutions of stock drug solutions and calculate appropriate volumes to add to organ baths to achieve the desired final concentrations; follow experimental protocols accurately to generate reproducible results; and quantify results and present them clearly in graphical form.

This course introduces biodiversity of life on earth, and key principles of ecology and conservation. The emphasis is on learning through field classes which will take place in the South Downs National Park. The University is in the heart of the South Downs National Park so students have the opportunity for experiential learning on the key themes: biodiversity, ecology and conservation. Students also learn survey and identification skills through these field trips. The course develops an understanding of conservation and applied ecology in relation to real-world problems, through topics including biodiversity, community ecology, and practical land management for conservation. An example of this is the mowing of grasslands to help maintain grass cover, encourage re-growth, and productivity.

The aim of this course is to let students understand all the basic concepts in biochemistry, and at same time, develop their ability of reading scientific literature directly in English and critical thinking.

This course develops an understanding of the molecular basis of life through study of the role of nutrients, not only as a source of energy but, as key elements that determine our cellular and whole-body physiology. The metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids and the role of vitamins are presented in the context of human health and disease. The consequences of vitamin deficiencies, mechanisms that allow cells to survive starvation and metabolic derangements such as diabetes and those caused by alcohol consumption are discussed. The course builds on Section 2 (Chemistry of Life) of BYU11101 (Molecules to Cells I) and CHU11B01 (Chemistry for Biologists). While this course is free standing and open, it does complement and expand on the lectures on metabolism in Module BYU22201 (Molecules to Cells II). This course is to prepare students hoping to pursue a moderatorship in the molecular biological sciences.

This course examines the structure and function of human body at a molecular level. Major topics include the understanding of protein structure and its important role as enzymes, structure-function relationship of biomolecules, cell metabolism and energy production, and the basics of cellular biochemistry. 

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director or Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. The internship may be taken during one or more terms but the units cannot exceed a total of 12.0 for the year.