Biochemistry part I
Dr Christopher Handley
8 points * Four 1-hour lectures, one 5-hour practical per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: CHM1011/CHM1022 or BIO1011/BIO1022 with VCE Chemistry
This subject is the first of two one-semester subjects that will give students a basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. The subject commences with a section designed to introduce amino acid chemistry, protein chemistry and the catalytic role of proteins as enzymes. In the next section the manner in which energy is utilised by living organisms is dealt with in some detail. It is introduced by a consideration of a general outline of metabolism and bioenergetics and continues with cellular oxidation reactions, the electron transport chain and the pathways whereby energy is released from major dietary components. The subject concludes with a section that covers the principles of molecular biology, chemistry and biosynthesis of nucleic acids and their function in information flow in cells. Practical work is an integral component of the subject, and covers aspects of the assay of biochemical molecules, enzymology and molecular biology.
Assessment
Examinations (2x2 hours): 75% * Laboratory work: 25%
Prescribed texts
Lehninger A L and others Principles of biochemistry 2nd edn, Worth, 1993
Recommended texts
Zubay G Biochemistry 3rd edn W C Brown, 1993