1999 Science Handbook - Biochemistry and molecular biology

Biochemistry and molecular biology

Discipline objectives
The discipline
Subjects offered

Discipline objectives

The study of biochemistry and molecular biology will provide students with:

knowledge of the detailed structure of molecules associated with the life process and the role of these molecules in the function of living cells;
an understanding of the molecular nature of genes and the way in which they specify and control biochemical properties and functions of living organisms;
an understanding of molecular biology and genetic engineering;
an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of biological macromolecules and structures in relation to their biological activities;
an understanding of the basis of cellular metabolism and the regulation and integration of metabolic processes;
an understanding of the biochemical basis of disease;
a knowledge of the structure of scientific literature in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology, and the ability to obtain information from that literature and from computer databases;
an appreciation of the contributions that research in biochemistry and molecular biology make to modern society;
the ability to comprehend and apply modern biochemical technology;
problem-solving skills and, in particular, proficiency in the evaluation of biochemical data;
the ability to develop fluency in communication skills related to biochemistry and molecular biology, both verbal and written.

Biochemistry is a discipline that is central to all the life sciences and biomedical sciences. It describes the molecular basis of living systems. Biochemistry is also inextricably linked to molecular biology. Biochemistry and molecular biology are introduced at the second-year level. Many students will wish to make biochemistry and molecular biology their major field of study in the third year. For these students the second-year subjects BCH2011 (Biomolecular structure and function) and BCH2022 (Biochemistry of cells and tissues) have been specifically developed as two sequential eight-point subjects, one in each semester, needed for entry to third year. In third year, BCH3011 (Biomolecules and technology) and BCH3022 (Molecular biology of the cell) are offered as two sequential twelve-point subjects, one in each semester.
The biochemistry and molecular biology fourth-year subject BCH4000 (Advanced biochemistry and molecular biology), incorporating research training as well as coursework, leads to the award of the degree of a Bachelor of Science with honours in biochemistry.
For students enrolled in the BSc(Biomedical) course, second-year subjects BCH2031 (Biomedical molecular biology) and BCH2042 (Medical biochemistry of cells and tissues) provide two sequential eight-point subjects, one in each semester, needed for entry to third year. In third year BCH3031 (Biomedical biochemistry and molecular biology) and BCH3042 (Biochemistry and molecular biology of disease) are offered as two sequential twelve-point subjects, one in each semester, for students enrolled in the BSc(Biomedical) course. The subjects BCH3031 and BCH3042, like BCH3011 and BCH3022, also lead to the biochemistry and molecular biology honours subject BCH4000.

Biochemistry and molecular biology

Discipline objectives

The discipline

Subjects offered