BCH2022

Biochemistry of cells and tissues

Dr Alfons Lawen

8 points - Four 1-hour lectures and one 4-hour practical per week - Second semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: BCH2011 - Prohibition: BCH2042

Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand the metabolic role of molecules in living cells; the molecular organisation of cellular structures and tissues; cellular metabolism and its regulation; the regulation and integration of metabolic processes in tissues, their regulation by hormones and their consequences for nutrition. 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 continues imparting to students the basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. It commences with a survey of the manner in which energy is utilised by living organisms and by a consideration of the general outline of metabolism. Aspects of the oxidation and synthesis of carbohydrates and lipids, the catabolism of hyaluronan and the metabolism of amino acids and nucleotides are described. In the final section the regulation and integration of cellular metabolism, enzyme regulation, and the metabolism of specialised tissues are discussed, as well as the biochemical basis of nutrition, anti-oxidants, anti-cancer drugs and hormonal regulation. In the practical program students are trained in biochemical techniques including the use of radioactive isotopes and the processing of biochemical data.

Assessment Mid-semester test (45 min): 10% - Examinations (2 and 1.5 hours): 40% and 30% - 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
Gillham B, Papachristodoulou D K and Thomas J H Will's 'Biochemical basis of medicine' 3rd edn, Butterworth Heinemann, 1997
Zubay G, Parson W W and Vance D E Principles of biochemistry W C Brown, 1995

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook