521-204 Biochemistry and the Eye

This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Optometry course.

Biology and chemistry are required for entry into studies for the Bachelor of Optometry.

The objectives are to develop an understanding of the chemical properties and functions of body constituents, metabolic and regulatory processes, particularly in relation to the eye and other tissues which have a major influence on the function and maintenance of the eye. You will be introduced to the biochemical basis of diseases of the eye; and the role of experimentation in the development of biochemical knowledge and the clinical relevance of ocular biochemistry and molecular biology. Major topics are the structure, function and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, mucopolysaccharides and nucleic acids; specialised functions of proteins, lipids and proteoglycans, bioenergetics, ion transport, DNA replication, the genetic code, messenger RNA, protein synthesis at ribosomes, the function, composition, and production of tears and aqueous humour; the extracellular matrix of the cornea, sclera and vitreous humour; the ion channel mechanisms of the retina, lens, cornea and ciliary body; the visual cycle in the retina, through from the genetic components of the photopigments to the biochemistry of the phototransduction cascade and retinal metabolism.

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination (90%); mid-semester test (10%).