VCF2031 - Biochemistry A

Leader: Dr Helen Irving / Dr Jalal Jazayeri

Offered

Parkville First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

Biomolecules - structure, properties and function. Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, vitamins, membranes. Receptors, hormones and signalling processes. Metabolism. Catabolic pathways, synthetic pathways, energy production, control of metabolism. Molecular biology. Gene structure and regulation of information flow.

Objectives

Students will develop an:

• Understanding of basic biochemistry including structure and function of the major biomolecules and the principles of metabolic pathways, plant biochemistry, food chemistry, roles of receptors and hormones, information transfer and recombinant DNA technology.
• Ability in the areas of observation and measurement of biochemical compounds and processes; and to apply a knowledge of biochemistry to formulation problems.
• Appreciation of the importance of biochemistry in formulation science in particular biomaterials as formulation excipients.

Assessment

End-of-Semester exam (2 hours): 70%, Practical 15%, On-going assessment 15%

Prerequisites

All 1st year B.Form. Sci units