MScPHM Preparatory Course · Part 2

Basic Cell Biology: the living context behind every molecular measurement

Part 1 built your foundation in genes and molecules. Part 2 zooms out to the cell — the living unit where genomes are read, drugs act, and omics data are generated. Two self-paced, interactive modules take you from the architecture of the cell to the tightly controlled cycle by which it grows, copies its genome, and divides.

2 modules · self-paced Read time ~40–95 min each Prerequisites Part 1 (recommended) Level Foundational → applied

Module CB01

Basic Cell Biology

The cell as a living system

What cells are, how their organelles and membranes work together, how they read genes, signal, divide, and die — and why cellular context decides what molecular data actually mean.

Interactive virtual-cell explorer & 3D molecular structures
Signalling simulator and disease-state sandbox
From cells to omics, multi-omics and AI/ML
30-question reasoning self-check + reflection

~40 min core · ~95 min full Open CB01

Module CB02

The Cell Cycle

Copying, checking and dividing the genome

How cells grow, duplicate DNA, check their work at each stage, and divide chromosomes by mitosis and meiosis — and how failures in these controls contribute to cancer and precision-medicine decisions.

Interactive cell-cycle wheel & checkpoint decision tree
Continuous mitosis and meiosis animations
Cyclin–CDK oscillation and a flow-cytometry activity
15-question self-check with data interpretation

~80 min · builds on CB01 Open CB02

How to use Part 2

Work in order

Start with CB01 to build cellular literacy, then CB02 for the cell cycle. Each module stands alone but CB02 assumes CB01.

Interact, don't just read

Run the animations, drag the 3D structures, try the simulators, and attempt every self-check before revealing the reasoning.

Any device

Everything runs in a browser. An internet connection is needed only for the live 3D and web fonts; the lessons work offline otherwise.

Your progress is saved

Section check-offs and quiz feedback stay in your browser. Sign-in, time spent and quiz results are shared with your instructor.

Note on access. These modules are for enrolled MScPHM students. You will sign in with your NUS email; on your first visit you choose your own password, then use it to return. Your sign-in, time on each module, quiz results and any written answers are recorded to support your learning.