GEM 202 — Molecular and Cellular Basis of Health and Disease

GEM 202 is the first multidisciplinary, basic-science-dominated module of Cycle I of the spiral curriculum. It explains health and disease from the molecular level upwards: the cell, its membrane, organelles, division, growth and death, and the basic tissues; the structure and reactions of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes and vitamins; the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleotides and porphyrins, its regulation and integration, its inborn errors and nutritional requirements; DNA, gene expression, chromosomes, inheritance, mutations, epigenetics and gene-based diagnostics; and receptors and cell signalling. Physiology covers homeostasis, body fluids, membrane potentials, the action potential and synaptic transmission. Embryology covers gametogenesis, the first three weeks of development, the fetal membranes and placenta, body cavities, the pharyngeal apparatus, teratology, prenatal diagnosis and assisted reproduction. Clinical Anatomy covers the functional anatomy of the upper limb. Community Medicine and Clinical Psychology consider genetic disorders in Ghana: their determinants, prevention, policies and health education, and their psychological, social and cultural implications for families, with genetic counselling and referral.