Biology: Exploring the Mechanism of Animal Growth and Development based on Stem Cell Research

Course 7: Biology: Exploring the Mechanism of Animal Growth and Development based on Stem Cell Research

I. Course Description

Today, the intersection of molecular biology, developmental biology, animal regeneration and stem cells, and functional genomics experiments has become a remarkable frontier field. Through molecular biology, people have been able to dig into gene-protein interactions, analyze their key roles in development and stem cell regulation, and focus on the unique capabilities of animal regeneration and stem cells. In terms of functional genomics experiments, advanced technologies have been used to reveal their comprehensive effects in development, regeneration and stem cell regulation.

The goal of this course is to deeply explore key areas of biology dedicated to students understanding of molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, as well as biomedical research. First, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the basic knowledge and central laws of molecular biology to reveal the DNA to RNA to protein biosynthesis process. Second, the course will deeply explore the basic principles of genetics, including the relationship between genes and genetics, and of molecular genetics and genomics. The Developmental Biology section will introduce the molecular and cellular basis of animal development and explore the diversity of developmental systems. Furthermore, the course will delve into the molecular basis of disease, with a focus on inherited disease and cancer. Finally, students will be exposed to the latest functional genomics approaches, including sequencing-based research and genome manipulation methods, providing students with the basis for taking an important step forward in the field of biomedical research.

II. Professor Introduction

Aziz Aboobaker – Tentenured Professor at Oxford University

Professor Aboobaker has more than two decades of academic research experience in the fields of molecular biology and parasitology. His PhD graduated from the Institute of Cell, Animal and Population Biology at the University of Edinburgh, and his research results, especially his breakthrough contributions in the Hox gene and RNAi in Malaysia.

Professor Aziz Aboobaker was a tenured Professor of Lady Margaret of Oxford from 2016-2019. He is currently tenured Professor of Comparative and Functional Genomics at the Department of Biology at Oxford, and on the BBSRC DTP (Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences PhD Training Program) at the University of Oxford. He is also one of the chief editors of PloS Genetics, a famous SCI journal in biology. Professor Aziz Aboobakers current research focuses on animal regeneration and the stem cells that drive the process to explore the multiple connections and possibilities between regeneration, stem cells, cancer and aging.

III. Syllabus

1. Molecular biology basis and central rules
2. Genetic basis- -gene and genetics; genomics basis
3. Developmental Biology I: Overview of animal development and diversity
4. Developmental Biology II: specific examples of developmental systems
5. Molecular basis of diseases: hereditary diseases and cancer
6. Frontier functional genomics approach: genomic function
7. Frontier functional genomics approach: genome expression
8. Stem cells and their potential
9. Animal regeneration
10. Regenerative biology: a world-class study