250-103 Veterinary Biochemistry & Pharmacology

Basic structural biochemistry topics include amino acid structure and chemistry, proteins, conformation, structure, analytical protein chemistry, enzymes and their kinetic analysis, nucleic acids and protein synthesis, and bacterial genetics and antibiotics.

Metabolic chemistry topics include glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, beta oxidation of lipids, and gluconeogenesis.

Advanced topics include molecular biology, molecular genetics of mammalian diseases, lipid soluble vitamins, and blood coagulation.

Pharmacology topics include principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: mechanisms of activity for drugs acting at autonomic synapses; autacoids and anti-autacoids; cardiovascular pharmacology; drugs affecting fluid and electrolyte balance; and drugs affecting the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system.

A 3-hour written examination (biochemistry) at mid-year and a 3-hour written examination (biochemistry and pharmacology) at end of year. Three biochemistry written assignments will be assessed through the year. A 1-hour multiple choice computer based assessment of the pharmacology practical course. Continuous assessment is divided equally between biochemistry and pharmacology. Weighting of assessment will be advised to students at the beginning of the year.