521-029 Biochemistry (Dental Course)

Credit Points

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The major topics covered by this subject are: thermodynamics and homoeostasis of living systems and biochemical adaption; digestion of food ingredients; the structure, function and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids; specialised functions of biomembranes, particularly in relation to bioenergetics and ion transport; intracellular mechanisms controlling biochemical processes; specialised topics including the structure and function of immunoglobulins, basic principles of gene structure and expression and metabolic disorders with a genetic basis; separative and analytical procedures in modern biochemistry relevant to Dental Science; experimental design and factors which influence the significance of results; computer-based data handling and analysis; interpreting biochemical data; conducting literature searches.

The principal objectives are to develop (i) an understanding of the relationships between chemical properties and functions of body constituents, metabolic and regulatory processes and vital functions and adaptive responses of the human body; (ii) skills in experimental observation, data evaluation and interpretation; and (iii) an appreciation of the role of experimentation in the development of biomedical knowledge and the clinical relevance of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Assessment

A 3-hour written examination at the end of Semester 1 (85%) including material on protein biochemistry from first year, practical work throughout Semester 1 (10%) and practice classes (5%).

Prescribed Texts

• Stryer L 1995, Biochemistry. 4th ed. Freeman.