VCP2091

Biochemistry ( 3 points, SCA Band 2, 0.063 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Helen Irving and Dr Daniel Malone

Offered:
Parkville First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: Structure and molecular properties of Biomolecules. Receptors, hormones and signalling processes. Metabolism. Catabolic pathways, synthetic pathways, energy production, control of metabolism. Information transfer (gene structure and regulation). Protein sythesis. Molecular biology.

Objectives: Students will develop an: - Understanding of the basic biochemistry of body constituents including structure, function and classification of the major biomolecules; roles of receptors and hormones; the principle metabolic pathways and the basis of their regulation and connections; the nature of information transfer and molecular biology methods. - Ability in the areas of observation and measurement of biochemical compounds and processes; assessment and integration of biochemical information as it relates to desired and unwanted effects produced by therapeutic drugs. - Appreciation of integrated biochemical and physiological functions, pathophysiological and biochemical or genetic perturbations as they affect bodily functions; the underlying foundation of biochemistry in the treatment of individual diseases.

Assessment: Examination: 70% (2 hours), On-going assessments 20%, Practical Work 10% The examination and on-going assessments will test all three major objectives whereas the practical component will be more focussed on assessing objective 2 although the material relates to the other objectives.

Contact Hours: The subject will have 39 (13 weeks of 3) lectures, 5 tutorials and 6 x 3 hour practical sessions. It is expected that this unit will require participants to allocate an average of 3-5 hour per week for 13 weeks (a total of 1-2 hours per study period [lecture]) to successfully complete this unit.

Prerequisites: Successfully completion of 1st year units from Bachelor of Pharmacy.

Corequisites: There are no special co-requisites for this unit