521-212 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part B

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-211.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the end of the program the student should have acquired: knowledge of the fundamental areas of biochemistry and molecular biology relating to the biochemistry of genetic and metabolic processes, including a detailed understanding of the principal metabolic pathways and their control, the molecular processes involved in gene expression and its regulation, and DNA replication and repair. The content includes: DNA replication; mutagenesis and DNA repair mechanisms; expression, transcription and translation of genes to yield functional proteins; mechanism of action of antibiotics; regulation of gene expression; applications of molecular cloning and recombinant DNA in the investigation of gene structure, function and regulation; major pathways for the catabolic and anabolic metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogen-containing compounds in mammalian cells; bioenergetics and mitochondrial function; photosynthesis and carbon fixation; metabolic control including introduction to the actions of hormones and lipid soluble vitamins and their intracellular signalling pathways.

Assessment

Computer-based tests of knowledge gained from computer tutorials (10%). A 3-hour written examination at the end of the semester (90%).

Prescribed Texts

• Mathews C and van Holde K, Biochemistry. 2nd ed. 1996 Benjamin/Cummings.