Module Overview

This module aims to provide the student with a knowledge and understanding of the biochemistry of mammalian cells and how biochemistry relates to physiological function. The module builds on the students' knowledge of bio-molecules from Biology II and their knowledge of the structure and function of mammalian cells (from Biology I). There is particular emphasis on cellular membrane structure and function. The module explains the biochemical processes underlying biological systems (covered in Biology I) such as the immune system and the nervous system. The role of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in cellular function and how bio-molecular structure relates to function is explained using medical and dietary examples. The module uses examples of diseases and genetic disorders to enable students to correlate the causes and symptoms of medical conditions with what happens in cells at a molecular level. The module builds on the students' knowledge of how the energy in foods is converted to cellular energy and introduces them to the complexity of human metabolic pathways. Theoretical aspects of this module are supported by laboratory experiments delivered in 'Laboratory Skills IV".