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The School of Molecular & Biomedical Science
The elaboration of the DNA sequence in the human genome, and the subsequent rapid sequencing of the genomes of other model and domestic species, is shifting the emphasis in biology from a descriptive science of structures and sequences to the understanding of the dynamic and quantitative aspects of integrated systems. Biology is moving from the reductionism of the 20th century to an understanding of how the information encoded in the DNA and its molecular environment is processed and integrated at the levels of molecules, cells, organisms, and populations. The School of Molecular and Biomedical Science is addressing this major paradigm shift to a functional systems biology by promoting an integrated research and teaching concept which focuses on how biological information is processed in the development of organisms from simple cells to complex, thinking individuals.
This is made possible by the combined energies and synergies between four disciplines:
Biochemistry is looking at how molecules store and process information in their structures, and how these in turn regulate pathways and metabolism in living cells.
Genetics studies how genomes and genes store, evolve and express their encoded information to generate complex organisms.
Microbiology & Immunology addresses the balance between health and disease by investigating the body’s natural defence systems and how pathogenic organisms have evolved strategies to evade these.
Physiology is assessing complex cellular functions and how these are further integrated in the cardiovascular, muscular, nervous and other organ systems. Major importance is attached to human function and its programming by factors in early embryonic and postnatal development, which can lead to disease outcomes in adult life.
The Disciplines of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology & Immunology are housed in a purpose-built facility - the Molecular Life Sciences Building. The building's modern design incorporates two sizeable teaching laboratories and 39 research laboratories, with convenient shared instrument and central support areas, meeting rooms and seminar rooms. The laboratories house 'state-of-the-art' research equipment and a modern IT environment.
The Discipline of Physiology occupies refurbished laboratory and teaching facilities located on the fourth and fifth floor of Medical School South in addition to space located on the fourth floor of Medical School North.
Heads of the School
Acting Head of the School – Professor John Carver
Deputy Head of the School – Professor Shaun McColl
Discipline Head, Biochemistry – Associate Professor Murray Whitelaw
Discipline Head, Genetics – Professor Rob Richards
Discipline Head, Microbiology & Immunology – Dr. Renato Morona
Discipline Head, Physiology – Professor Andrea Yool
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