521-211 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A

Not available to students enrolled in the BBiomedSc.

Chemistry 610-122 or 610-142 (plus their chemistry prerequisite). Biology 650-141 plus 650-142 (prior to 2004: 600-141 plus 600-142) are strongly recommended.

Biological macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates, provide the molecular basis for all living systems. To understand these systems we must understand the structures, functions and chemical properties of these macromolecules. Content includes an introduction to the principles of cellular functions; amino acid chemistry; structure and function of proteins with particular attention given to haemoglobin and immunoglobulins; properties of enzymes and their regulation; carbohydrate structure and function; the structure of nucleic acids and their role as genetic material, including DNA replication and repair; the composition of chromosomes and genes and bioinformatical approaches for analysing the structure of genes; lipid chemistry; cell membrane composition, dynamics and function including membrane transport processes; the molecular architecture of the cell.

In addition to specific skills gained through the study of biochemistry and molecular biology, students should develop the following generic skills:

• the ability to think critically and organise knowledge, from consideration of the lecture material;

• the ability to learn to adopt new ideas, from participation in the lecture program; and

• the ability to plan effective work schedules and grow more confident in the synthesis of knowledge.

Computer-based tests of knowledge gained in computer tutorials (10%); mid-semester examination (10%); 3-hour written examination at the end of the semester (80%).