Biomedical molecular biology
Dr Clem Robinson
8 points * Four 1-hour lectures/tutorials, one 5-hour practical per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: CHM1011/CHM1022 or BIO1011/BIO1032 with VCE Chemistry * Prohibition: BCH2011
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; molecular organisation of cellular structures, especially that of membranes and the role of membranes in cellular metabolism; physical and biochemical properties of proteins, especially in their roles as enzymes; molecular nature of nucleic acids and the mechanism by which they specify proteins; basic methods of isolation, separation and characterisation of biological molecules; medical relevance of these biological molecules. Practical and small-group teaching will allow students to strengthen and extend their understanding of lecture material as well as to develop skills in the use of biochemical and molecular biological techniques, oral presentations and problem solving.
Synopsis This subject is the first of two one-semester subjects that will give BSc (Biomedical) students a basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. This subject will differ from BCH2011 in that one lecture/tutorial hour per week will be devoted to biomedical aspects of molecular biology. The subject includes amino acid chemistry, protein chemistry, the catalytic role of proteins as enzymes, the principles of molecular biology, the chemistry and biosynthesis of nucleic acids and their function in information flow in cells, membrane structure and the structure lipids and carbohydrates as components of membranes. Practical training covers aspects of the assay of biochemical molecules, enzymology and molecular biology.
Assessment Examinations (2 x 2 hours): 80% * Laboratory training: 20%
Prescribed texts
Lehninger A L and others Principles of biochemistry 2nd edn, Worth, 1993
Recommended texts
Garrett R H and Grisham C M Biochemistry Saunders, 1995
Zubay G and others Principles of biochemistry W C Brown, 1995
| Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria
3168 Copyright © Monash University 1996 - All Rights Reserved - Caution Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996 |