Biological Sciences

This course deals with the structure, organization and function of genes and genomes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes (e.g. DNA topology, hierarchy of packaging of DNA in chromosomes and relationship to gene activity and genome dynamics). The functional roles of DNA regulatory cis-elements and transcription factors involved in gene expression is examined. The molecular events in the control and regulation of transcription; post-transcriptional modifications and RNA processing; temporal and spatial gene expression will be examined in detail. The cause and/or effect of dysfunction of gene expression in diseases is discussed. 

The course exposes students to the diversity of invertebrates and their functional biology. Topics are presented within an evolutionary framework to emphasize past and contemporary selective pressures driving diversification. Students are exposed to key topics in functional biology across the major invertebrate groups and include cellular to organism-level processes. The course begins with an introduction to the evolution of the invertebrates and the major phyla. This leads to an exploration of invertebrate functional biology, with an emphasis on key adaptations across the aquatic–terrestrial gradient. Lectures, practicals, and field trips expose students to contemporary philosophical, methodological, and conceptual approaches used in the field of invertebrate functional biology and diversity. Assessment: A 3-hour examination, with a subminimum of 40%, counts for 50% of the course mark. Coursework marks will be allocated as follows: practicals count 15%, the field camp report counts 15% and two class tests count 20%.

This course provides a basic understanding of cells and various techniques that are used to study cells. It examines the many aspects of cell biology including cell structure, cell chemistry, cell metabolism cell genetics, cell membranes, cellular communication, protein synthesis, and cell division.
 

This course examines the fundamental processes of ecology and evolution that bear on the nature and diversity of organisms and the processes that govern their assembly into ecological communities and their roles in ecosystem function.

The course gives an overview of physiological functions in humans and other mammals. It provides an understanding of how the human body functions, and forms the foundation of our understanding of biomedical disciplines.

This course covers the most common but important local diseases, such as allergic diseases, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, lung cancer, oral cancer, and COVID-19. It discusses pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management, as well as the development of biomedical technology for the prevention and treatment of these diseases in Taiwan.  The course provides an opportunity to listen to guest speaker(s) about updated biomedical technology development in Taiwan and participate in a tour learning about the organization and functions of the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH).  

This course examines fundamentals of experimental design, data management, and data visualization. 

This course examines the principles of genetics from a classical and modern view. Topics include cutting-edge genetic engineering techniques, structure and function of genes/chromosomes, genetic mapping and screening, reverse and forward genetics, model organisms in genetics, biotechnology in genetics, and quantitative genetics.