Biochemistry

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
BIOL 2027
Course ID icon
Course ID
203014
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

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

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A