A synopsis of the curriculum
• Protein Biochemistry
• Amino acids: levels of the protein structural organisation; Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins
• Basic description of the protein biological functions and practical applications of protein Biochemistry (Medicine, Biomedicine and Biotechnology).
• Enzymes as biological catalysers: their structure function and classification.
• Principles of enzyme technology and using enzymes as drug targets.
• Biochemistry of the nucleic acids, purine and pyrimidine nucleotides.
• Structural organisation of different types of nucleic acids (DNA and RNAs).
• Basic description of the nucleic acid biological functions.
• Practical applications of the nucleic acid Biochemistry (Plasmids, Biotechnology, Bioreactors).
• Biochemistry of carbohydrates: structural organisation of monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides.
• Basic description of the carbohydrate biological functions and practical applications of the carbohydrate biochemistry (Medicine, Biomedicine and Biotechnology).
• Biochemistry and classification of lipids: structural organisation and functions of triacylglycerols, phospholipids, sphingolipids, cardiolipins and steroids.
• Biological membranes as a classic example of static interaction of biologically active compounds. Principles of integration of lipids, proteins, enzymes and carbohydrates associated with nucleic acid functioning.
Blended distance learning:
Contact hours: 120 hours
Private Study Time: 30 hours
Total Learning Time: 150 hours
Portfolio 30% - composed of 5 individual assignments where topics are applied to the workplace
Assignments 40% - 2 Assignments (20% each)
Exam - MCQ – 30%
The pass mark for each individual assessment is 40%. All assessments must be passed in order to pass the module.
Garrett, R.H., & Grisham, CM., Principles of Biochemistry: With a Human Focus, Harcourt College Publishers, Fort Worth, 2002.
Nelson, D.L., & Cox, M.M., et al, Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, (7th. ed) W.H. Freeman, New York, 2017.
Voet, D., Voet, J.G., & Pratt, C.W., Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level, NJ: Wiley, Hoboken, 2016.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of the protein structure/folding and an ability to explain their functions in general.
Describe the key principles of static enzyme Biochemistry, enzyme classification and basic principles of enzyme functioning.
Explain the basic principles of the nucleic acid structure and their disparate cellular roles and its practical applications.
Explain the principles of carbohydrate Biochemistry and the biological functions of the carbohydrates.
Demonstrate a knowledge of the principles of lipid classification, structure and functions.
Understand basic mechanisms of static integration of biologically active compounds into biological membranes.
Demonstrate an ability to link this knowledge to everyday activities in the bioscience workplace.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate the development of practical laboratory-based skills.
Analyse, evaluate and correctly interpret data.
Demonstrate an ability to present and communicate data.
Communicate and present data effectively
Obtain and use information from a variety of sources as part of self-directed learning.
Manage their time and use their organisation skills within the context of self-directed learning.
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