BCH2011

Biomolecular structure and function

Dr Clem Robinson

8 points - Four 1-hour lectures and one 4-hour practical per week - First semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: CHM1011/CHM1022 or CHM1031/CHM1042 or BIO1011/BIO1022 or BIO1032 or BIO1042) with VCE Chemistry - Prohibition: BCH2031

Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand the structure of molecules associated with the life process and the role of these molecules in the function of living cells; the molecular organisation of structures, especially that of membranes and the role of membranes in cellular metabolism; the physical and biochemical properties of proteins, especially in their roles as enzymes; the molecular nature of nucleic acids and the mechanism by which they specify proteins; the basic methods of isolation, separation and characterisation of biological molecules. Practical and small-group teaching will allow students to strengthen and extend their understanding of lecture material as well as to develop skills in the use of biochemical and molecular biological techniques, oral presentations and problem solving.

Synopsis This subject will give students a basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. The subject commences with amino acid chemistry, protein chemistry and the catalytic role of proteins as enzymes. The next main section introduces the principles of molecular biology and genetic engineering, the chemistry and biosynthesis of nucleic acids and their function in information flow in cells. The subject includes a section on membrane structure including the structure of lipids and carbohydrates as crucial components of membranes. Practical training is an integral component of the subject, and covers aspects of the assay of biochemical molecules, enzymology and molecular biology.

Assessment Mid-semester test (45 min): 10% - Examinations (1.5 and 2 hours): 30% and 40% - Laboratory training: 20%

Prescribed texts

Lehninger A L, Nelson D L and Cox M M Principles of biochemistry 2nd edn, Worth, 1993

Recommended texts

Garrett R H and Grisham C M Biochemistry Saunders, 1995
Zubay G, Parson W W and Vance D E Principles of biochemistry W C Brown, 1995

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook