The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Problem-Based Learning Resources page is designed to support the three objective areas defined by the curriculum.
Check back often for resource page updates! [External links to resources are added (by me) and deleted (by them).]
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For more information concerning these objectives see PBL: A Student Guide.
As your tutor group works through a Problem-Based Learning Module, learning issues (LI) will be developed. Some groups (as well as some of the cases) are better at this than others. Some groups (and some of the cases) lose focus from time-to-time and important issues are lost in the shuffle.
In order to foster your ability to develop LI and build a knowledge base in biochemistry, including cell and molecular biology, I have created unit LI grids, featured topics, major points, and correlated readings. One can build a foundation by learning about specific topics or by asking questions pertinent to each case. You should note that many of the potential LI appear in multiple cases and across units. You have multiple opportunities to encounter these topics, so don't think that you must completely cover them with any particular case. Note that the link to a PBLM resource page will be activated as tutor groups process that particular case (usually after the first tutor group session). If you try to open a page too early, it will automatically transfer back to the main unit page.
You will find that my approach differs from that of other faculty. I use animated illustrations during the scheduled resource sessions (overview MS Powerpoint animation or Adobe pdf). My approach is to cover the important content and concepts embedded in each topic in order to provide you with a "big picture of what is important with a clinical emphasis. If you enjoy collected facts, those details are readily available in Devlin and Nelson & Cox (see below for recommended textbooks). You will get more from the resource sessions if you are prepared for each of the associated topics. For those of you with adequate backgrounds in biochemistry, these sessions may not be useful for you. Remember, the resource sessions are optional.
In order to be prepared for tutor group discussions and mid-unit and end-of-unit examinations (and the USMLE), you will be best served by knowing about the topics discussed in the resource sessions (which result from the learning issues), being familiar with the content associated with these topics that can be read from Devlin and Nelson & Cox, and completing the SAQs for each case. I ask a combination of questions that address general concepts and, in some cases, pertinent content. Every examination question has its origin in the SAQs. The answer to questions that addess "What is on the exam?" or "What do I need to know?" is contained in the SAQs. I encourage questions that better help you understand the topics and learning issues.
The self-assessment questions for the unit are located here.
The topics for the mid-unit examination are not yet available.
The topics for the end-of-unit examination are not yet available.
The topics for the remediation examination are not yet available.
You might anticipate exploring the following topics:
| alcohol metabolism (ppt, pdf) | enzymes and inhibitors (ppt, To print use doc or pdf) |
| action potential | extracellular matrix connections (ppt, pdf) and disorders (ppt, pdf) |
| apoptosis (ppt, pdf) | gene expression (transcription and translation) |
| auditory transduction | glycolysis (ppt, pdf) |
| axonal transport | glycoproteins (ppt, pdf) |
| bases of clinical assays and tests | inflammation (ppt, pdf) |
| bases of genetic diseases (definitions) | ion transport in muscle tissue |
| bone remodeling and repair (ppt, pdf) | ion transport in brain tissue |
| cell communication through gap junctions | ketone bodies (ppt, pdf) |
| cell cycle (ppt, pdf) | molecular analyses of genes |
| cell membrane structure (ppt, pdf) | muscle contraction |
| connective tissue | muscle proteins |
| electron transport chain (ppt, pdf) | neurotransmitter synthesis (ppt, pdf, ppt, pdf) and processing (ppt, pdf) |
| energy production in eye tissue (ppt, pdf, ppt, pdf) | signal transduction of smell (ppt, pdf) and taste (ppt, pdf) |
| energy production in brain tissue (ppt, pdf, ppt, pdf) | tricarboxylic acid cycle (ppt, pdf) |
| energy production in muscle tissue (ppt, pdf) | visual transduction (ppt, pdf) |
| energy production in nervous tissue (ppt, ppt, ppt, pdf, ppt, pdf) | vitamins and dietary sources (ppt, pdf) |
| Biocarta cellular and metabolic pathways |
| Corrrelated readings for clinical laboratory tests |
| emedicine for diagnoses and differentials |
| Lab Tests Online |
| Neurology education home page (SIU-SOM password required) |
| Neuromuscular home page (Washington University) |
| Videos of surgical procedures |
I recommend the following textbooks for biochemistry and cell and molecular biology:
| If you have a background in biochemistry use:
If you DO NOT have a background in biochemistry use:
High quality references/board review books:
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The following textbooks are also useful:
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The following may be quite useful also:
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Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology Home Page
Submit your questions and comments to the following:
eniederhoffer@siumed.edu