Biochemistry
Full course description
Biochemistry is considered the mother of all Life Sciences. Understanding Biochemistry will facilitate learning of more specialised Life Sciences such as Molecular and Cell Biology. This course will present the essentials of Biochemistry during 6 lectures and 10 tutorials. We will cover the structures, functions and interactions of the biomacromolecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, DNA and RNA, which perform many of the activities associated with life. We will provide insight in the specificity and action of enzymes, the biocatalysts of the cell. Further, we will explain metabolic pathways that result in the generation of ATP, the major energy currency of the cell.
Finally we will present recent biochemical understandings on genome editing that revolutionize treatment of diseases at the level of correcting mutated genes (gene therapy).
Course objectives
- To communicate fundamental principles governing structure, function and interactions of biological molecules to students encountering biochemistry for the first time.
- To increase appreciation of the science of biochemistry and its relevance to Health and Disease .
- To study the roles of bio-macromolecules like proteins, lipids, polysaccharides and nucleotides in living cells in the context of diseases such as hyperventilation, thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
- To create deeper understanding of the basic principles of enzyme catalysis and inhibition.
- To prepare students to enter advanced courses that require more detailed biochemistry knowledge, and to finally allow entrance to various Master programs in the life sciences.
Prerequisites
Note: Please be aware that this course is jointly offered together with MSP. This might imply that classes will take place in the MSP building, and that the course is displayed under an MSP course code in your schedule and on Student Portal. On your transcript and your grade list the course will be displayed with the regular UCM course code.
This course is designed to be taken in combination with SKI2086 Lab Skills: Biochemistry. Students wishing to take the Lab Skills should concurrently enroll in, or have completed, this course. Students wishing to take SCI2035 Biochemistry without taking the Lab Skills may do so
Prerequisites
SCI1009 Introduction to Biology or SCI 1004 Introduction to Chemistry. Students with substantial high school experience in Biology or Chemistry (For an indication of the relevant topics, see SCI-B and SCI-C, p. vi-viii) can contact the coordinator to request a waiver.
Recommended reading
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Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L., Stryer, L. Biochemistry. (8th ed). W.H. Freeman. ISBN-10: 1-4641-2610-0; ISBN-13: 978-1-4641-2610-9
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Garrett and Grisham. Biochemistry. (4th ed.). Thomson Brooks/Cole. ISBN101133108792 ISBN13 978-1133108795.
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Pratt, C.W. and Cornely, K. Essential Biochemistry (4th ed.) John Wiley & Sons. ISBN978-1-119-45112-9