Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand the structure of molecules associated with the life process and the role of these molecules in the function of living cells; the molecular organisation of structures, especially that of membranes and the role of membranes in cellular metabolism; the physical and biochemical properties of proteins, especially in their roles as enzymes; the molecular nature of nucleic acids and the mechanism of how they specify proteins; the basic methods of isolation, separation and characterisation of biological molecules.
Synopsis This subject will give students a basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. The subject commences with a section designed to introduce amino acid chemistry, protein chemistry and the catalytic role of proteins as enzymes. The next section introduces the principles of molecular biology and genetic engineering, the chemistry and biosynthesis of nucleic acids and their function in information flow in cells. The subject concludes with a section on membrane structure including the structure of lipids and carbohydrates as crucial components of membranes. Practical training is an integral component of the subject, and covers aspects of the assay of biochemical molecules, enzymology and molecular biology.
Assessment Examinations (2x2 hours): 75% + Laboratory training: 25%