Module Title
Biological Chemistry
Keywords
Stereochemistry, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids, Enzymes, Bioenergetics. |
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Prerequisites for Module
The student should have completed an introductory course in organic chemistry and be familiar with structure, naming and reactions of aliphatic compounds (AS1051, or equivalent).
Corequisite Modules
Refer to Definitive Course Document.
Precluded Modules
Refer to Definitive Course Document.
Aims of Module
To provide the student with an understanding of the structures and functions of the principal classes of biological molecules and the principles of bioenrgetics.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
Describe the structure, stereochemistry, and functions of carboydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.
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| 2. |
Relate the structures of biological molecules to their functions.
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| 3. |
Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanism of action of enzymes and factors which affect their activity.
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| 4. |
Describe the bioenergetics and metabolic fates of foodstuffs.
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Indicative Module Content
Stereochemistry: chirality, optical isomerism, D-L and R-S conventions, geometric isomerism, biological significance. Carbohydrates: classification, ring structures, mutarotation, mono-, di-, and polysaccharides, biological functions. Lipids: classification, fatty acids, simple lipids, complex lipids, steroids, biological functions. Amino acids and proteins: classification, terminology, primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures, motifs, functions. Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA, primary secondary and tertiary structures, DNA replication, RNA biosynthesis, roles in protein biosynthesis. Enzymes: mode of action, classification, cofactors, stereo-selectivity, induced fit, specificity, factors affecting activity, competitive and non-competitve inhibition. Metabolic pathways: strategy of metabolism, bioenergetics, role of ATP, electron transport systems and oxidative phosphorlylation. Foodstuffs: biochemical compostition, nutritional value.
| Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Full Time | Lectures
| 36 | Tutorials/Seminars
| 12 | Supervised Assessments
| 4 |
Directed Study
| | Directed Study
| 40 |
Private Study
| | Private Study
| 58 |
Mode of Delivery
This is a lecture based course supplemented with tutorial sessions and guided reading.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Coursework | 1,2,3
| | Examination | 1,2,3,4
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There will be two elements of coursework.
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | BROWN, W., 1996. Organic Chemistry. Saunders College Publishing.
| | 2. | STRYER, L., 1995. Biochemistry. W H Freeman & Co.
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