| Unit name | Biochemistry 1G General Biochemistry at a Cellular and Molecular Level |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BIOC10100 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Gus Cameron |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
At least a grade C in A-level Chemistry |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Biochemistry |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This unit comprises around 70 lectures and concentrates initially on the chemical and molecular basis of biological structure. Initial lectures cover the structure and function of biochemical building blocks and small molecules, and the structural features of proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides. Topics covered in the first term include protein structure and function, enzyme kinetics and mechanisms, DNA replication and the regulation of gene expression as well as modern concepts in recombinant DNA technology. The term ends with an introduction to cellular dynamics and membrane structure.
The second term begins with an examination of membrane transport before moving on to look at the cytoskeleton and the secretory pathways inside cells. Following this the lectures course focuses on metabolic events and cycles, including photosynthesis and energy generation, before moving on to look at the control of metabolism with an emphasis on the role of hormones. Finally the biochemistry of development and cancer are studied before looking at the cell as a dynamic entity. The unit is supported by laboratory classes and small group tutorials.
