Principles of biochemistry
To be advised (Biochemistry)
This is a foundation subject which aims to introduce the student to three fundamental topics of biochemistry - biological molecules; proteins; and metabolic pathways. It provides a knowledge base for subjects taught later in the medical curriculum. The specific aims are to provide (a) a bridge between students' previous studies in secondary college chemistry and future studies in molecular and cell biology, namely the nature of biological molecules and importance of water in cellular biology; (b) a basic knowledge of the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins and how this determines biological function; (c) an understanding of enzyme-catalysed reactions, kinetic analysis of enzyme activity, enzyme inhibition and regulation; (d) an understanding of the biophysical principles involved in metabolic pathways enabling students to understand the importance of ATP in cellular metabolism, the generation of ATP from acetyl CoA via electron transport chain and tricarboxylic acid cycle; (e) knowledge of the nature and role of carbohydrates and lipids in energy metabolism of the cell; and (f) to introduce the student to the language of biochemistry in medicine.
Assessment
End-of-semester examination: 90% * Practical class: 10%
Prescribed texts
Ward A Physics and chemistry for the health sciences Excell Biomedical, 1991
Recommended texts
Brown W H Introduction to organic and biochemistry 4th edn, Brooks-Cole, 1987
Murray R K and others Harper's biochemistry 22nd edn, Lange, 1990