521-304 Hormone & Neurotransmitter Biochemistry

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-211, 212 and 521-221, or 521-024 or (pre 1997) 521-201 and 521-202. In special circumstances, the Head of the Department may permit students who have not taken Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-221 (pre-1997 521-202) to enrol in this subject.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the end of the subject the student should have acquired: an understanding of the molecular basis of endocrinology, neuroendocrinology and relevant areas of metabolism; an appreciation of the similarities in the mechanism of actions of hormones, polypeptide growth factors, cytokines and neuro-transmitters; an understanding of techniques used to investigate the molecular basis of hormone and neurotransmitter action; an overview of areas of metabolism subject to hormonal and neurotransmitter control. The subject includes: endocrine systems producing individual hormones; biosynthesis, storage and secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters; hormone receptors and mechanisms in signal transduction, with particular emphasis on second messenger, protein phosphorylation, and other cell signalling-dependent pathways; metabolic targets for regulation and rate limiting steps in metabolism; hormonal regulation of gene expression; metabolic consequences of regulation by hormones and neurotransmitters; structure, function and mechanism of action of nerve growth and other growth and differentiation factors; molecular recognition events of importance during the development of the nervous system; tissue specialisation within the nervous system and the different roles of individual neurotransmitters; the neurochemistry of myelin; molecular basis of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Huntington's, Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases.

Assessment

A 2.5 hour end-of-semester written examination (80%) plus continuous assessment based on up to four short tests and/or written assignments (20%).