Course overview
The aim of this course is to provide students with a knowledge of the biochemical basis of biological systems. Amino acids, proteins; structure, biosynthesis, degradation of nucleotides; structure of DNA and chromatin. DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, effects of inhibitors; control of gene expression: enzyme properties and kinetics; coenzymes. Energy currency in cells and high energy bonds; citric acid cycle, electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation; carbohydrate metabolism; amino acid metabolism, urea cycle; fatty acid synthesis and catabolism; cholesterol synthesis, lipoproteins, signal transduction; control of metabolic pathways, utilisation of biological fuels; enzyme determinations.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the basic structure and function of proteins
- Describe the structure, function and regulation of DNA and RNA
- Explain the fundamental basis of metabolic pathways
- Know the major signal transduction pathways used by cells in normal and pathological states such as cancer.
- Perform a range of practical techniques that are fundamental to this discipline