Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to appreciate the role of water as the primary solvent in living systems; understand the buffering mechanisms which operate in biological systems; categorise biological molecules according to their structural and chemical characteristics; appreciate the role of non-covalent interactions in the maintenance of tertiary and quaternary conformation of biological macromolecules; discuss the biological actions of macromolecules, singly or as components of aggregates; discuss the principles of storage and transmission of genetic information; understand the control mechanisms which operate at the level of gene expression; acquire advanced skills in the measurement of parameters such as volume, mass and time; use spectrophotometric methods to assay biological molecules in solution; measure and interpret parameters such as Kmand Vmax of the Michaelis Menten equation.
Synopsis The subject commences with a section designed to introduce the chemistry of aqueous solutions, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids and proteins, the catalytic role of enzymes and the structure and functions of biological membranes. Next, the packaging of DNA within cells and viral particles is considered. This is followed by a study of the mechanisms of synthesis, modification and degradation of nucleic acids and proteins. The subject concludes with a detailed study of the control of gene expression. Practical work is an integral component of the subject, emphasising techniques of preparation and assay and illustrating critical aspects of the theory course.
Assessment Mid-semester test and final examination: 70% + Practical work: 30% + A pass in both theory and practical work is mandatory