Biochemistry part III
Dr Wayne Comper
12 points * Four 1-hour lectures, one 6-hour laboratory practical and one 1-hour tutorial per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: BCH2011 and BCH2022
This subject is the first of a two-part package for students majoring in biochemistry at the third-year level, and is divided into a series of sections that cover two main themes: (i) molecular biology - including mechanisms of macromolecular biosynthesis and the interrelationships between nucleic acids and proteins, aspects of biochemical genetics and molecular virology, gene structure and regulation of gene expression, studies of recombinant DNA, gene cloning and genetic engineering, technical and biological aspects of antibodies; (ii) physical and chemical properties of macromolecules in relation to biological activity - considering details of protein structure in relation to evolution, regulation of enzyme activity, the extracellular matrix, and the interactions of proteins in blood clotting. The physicochemical behaviour of macromolecules in solution is discussed with emphasis on techniques used to determine molecular parameters and their biological relevance. The practical training course extends the student's skill in modern and advanced techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Assessment
Examinations (4 hours): 80% * Laboratory work: 20%
Prescribed texts
Alberts B and others Molecular biology of the cell 3rd edn, Garland, 1994