PAC2151 - Biochemistry and molecular biology

Leader(s): Dr Helen Irving

Offered

Parkville First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

The unit will introduce the basic concepts of biochemistry and their application to biology and chemistry focussed around interactions with humans. This approach is designed to integrate the concepts of biochemistry with the aim of introducing second year pharmacy students to essential elements of biochemistry. In the process, students will develop their abilities to integrate biochemical information as it relates to both desired and unwanted effects of therapeutics and appreciate the underlying foundation of biochemistry in the treatment of individual diseases and pathological conditions. The specific topics that will be addressed are as follows:

• structure and molecular properties of biomolecules
• information transfer (gene structure and regulation); protein synthesis
• metabolism; catabolic pathways, synthetic pathways, energy production, control of metabolism

Objectives

After completing this unit, students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of:

1. The basic biochemistry of body constituents by describing (comparing and contrasting) the structure, function and classification of the major biomolecules and how these can be altered or perturbed in disease states;
2. The nature of information transfer and molecular biology methods by discussing aspects of the process from an enzymatic to biomolecular level;
3. The principle metabolic pathways and the basis of their regulation and connections by describing their roles and how they are regulated from an enzymatic to hormonal level;
4. Integrated biochemical and physiological functions, pathophysiological and biochemical or genetic perturbations as they affect bodily functions by describing how the metabolic pathways are regulated under normal fed and fasting conditions and a diseased condition such as diabetes mellitus type 1.

Assessment

on-going assessments: 20%; practical/tutorial work:10%; final examination (2 hours): 70%

Contact hours

36 1 hour lectures, five 3 hour practicals or workshops, one 6 hour self-directed computer based assignment and five 1 hour tutorials

Prerequisites

PAC1121 Organic chemistry (or VCP1021 Medicinal chemistry IA)
PAC1142 Chemistry of biomolecules (or VCP1022 Medicinal chemistry IB) PAC1111 Introduction to physiology (or VCP1081 Physiology I)
PAC1132 Systems physiology (or VCP1082 Physiology II)
PAC1211 Physicochemical basis of pharmacy (or VCP1071 Pharmaceutical chemistry A)

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.monash.edu.au/muso/support/