Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Medical Biochemistry

• Unit Code

  SCH2232

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr David Antony COALL

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Description

In this unit emphasis is given to the energetic metabolic processes of the normal human, and how various disease states are manifestations of abnormalities of biomolecular reactions and processes. Emphasis is also given to gaining an understanding of the principles of major laboratory methods used in biomedical research.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass SCC1226 and at least one of (SCH1134 or SCH1143)

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe and explain the basic methods of DNA & RNA identification and analysis.
2. Understand the principles behind certain biochemical assay procedures used in both scientific research and clinical investigations.
3. Describe the metabolic pathways used in the generation and storage of energy.
4. Apply biochemical principles to the understanding of disease processes and how major laboratory methods are used in diagnostic procedures and in biochemical research.

Unit Content

1. Basic enzyme kinetics - Michaelis-Menten type enzyme kinetics, coenzymes, enzyme specificity.
2. Integration of amino acid, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism - major pathways and their control site, inherited metabolic abnormalities.
3. Cell signalling pathways - second messengers-cyclic AMP, G-proteins (stimulatory and inhibitory), effects on enzyme action and effects on gene transcription. Neurochemical signalling and neurotransmitters.
4. Hormones and hormone action - protein and steroid hormones.
5. Lipid metabolism - beta-oxidative pathway, synthesis of triacylglycerol, essential fatty acids, lipolytic hormones. Analysis of lipase activity on various lipids.
6. Nucleotide structure; DNA replication and transcription. Nuclear biosynthetic enzymes and nucleotide analogues as therapeutic agents. Consequences of heritable alterations of nucleotide metabolism.
7. Carbohydrate metabolism - review of glycolytic and energy producing processes, gluconeogenesis; disorders of carbohydrate anabolism - hyperglycaemia and diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia.
8. Brief review of the major biomolecules - carbohydrates: monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides; lipids - triglycerides, phospolipids, sterols, sphingolipids; amino acids, primary, secondary and tertiary structure of proteins.
9. Biomolecules of blood - proteins of oxygen transport - myoglobin, haemoglobin; plasma proteins and enzymes - albumin, lipoproteins, disorders.
10. Biological membranes - role of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates in membranes, carrier proteins, protein transport channels, Na/K pump.
11. Major biochemical parameters in clinical investigation - implications for disease.
12. General biochemical calculations - Basic stoichiometry, molarity, dilutions and scientific notation.
13. The role of the Citric Acid Cycle in the generation of energy.
14. Biochemical assay techniques and associated calculations - colorimetric reactions and enzymatic reactions.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures supported by audiovisual material (2 hours per week), and laboratory sessions supported by audiovisual material and computer software (2 hours per week). During laboratory sessions students work in pairs or small groups to forward plan, organize and complete experiments over several weeks. The results of the experiments will be communicated by each group during in-class discussions. Student groups will also prepare a powerpoint presentation seminar based on investigation of current scientific research of a specific disease.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Lehninger, A. C., Nelson, D. C., & Cox, M. M. (2013). Principles of Biochemistry . (6th ed.). New York: W. H Freeman and Co.

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