electiveHQ

This module forms part of the stage 2 core curriculum in the BSc degree programme in Biochemistry and a number of related disciplines. The course introduces students to the fundamental building blocks for the molecules of life: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, and gives the student information on how molecular structure dictates the functional properties of these molecules, and how dysfunctional biomolecules can result in disease. The concept of biochemical catalysis and the properties of enzymes will be introduced. Additionally, the course describes basic biochemical methods for the purification, identification and manipulation of these compounds. Main topics include: nucleic acids, amino acids, protein structure, carbohydrates, lipids and membrane structure; enzymes and cofactors; enzyme mechanism, kinetics and regulation.