This module will outline the biochemical basis of various physiological processes, from metabolism to muscle contraction, and detail the consequences of breakdown of these pathways. Students will be introduced to the relationship between structure and function in biochemistry. The module will also serve as an introductory biochemistry module which supports Pharmacology one and two in the B.Sc. Clinical Measurement Programme.
The scope of biochemistry: structure and properties biomolecules, chemistry of the aqueous environment, polarity, reaction kinetics, biological thermodynamics;
Enzyme biochemistry: structure, energetics, kinetics of enzyme reactions, regulation.
Energetics and energy metabolism: Bioenergetics, Glycolysis, Aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, ß-oxidation.
Physiological processes: Muscle contraction, pulmonary surfactant, pH and electrolyte balance, neurotransmitters, endocrinology and signalling, lipid turnover and deposition; Pathophysiology: selected examples from the broad areas of renal disorders, cardiac disorders, neurochemical disorders, pulmonary disorders, lipid disorders.
The scope of biochemistry
Structure and properties biomolecules, chemistry of the aqueous environment, polarity, reaction kinetics, biological thermodynamics.
Enzyme Biochemistry
Structure, energetics, kinetics of enzyme reactions, regulation.
Energetics and energy metabolism
Bioenergetics, Glycolysis, Aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, ß-oxidation, TCA cycle, Electron Transport Chain.
Physiological processes
Muscle contraction, pulmonary surfactant, pH and electrolyte balance, neurotransmitters, endocrinology and signalling, lipid turnover and deposition.
Pathophysiology
Selected examples from the broad areas of renal disorders, cardiac disorders, neurochemical disorders, pulmonary disorders, lipid disorders.
Lecturer facilitated peer-to-peer learning will be a key mode of delivery. E-learning technologies will also be used to support the module (e.g. podcasts of lectures). These aspects will be combined via one of the key formative assessments, the preparation of an online repository of data about a particular example of physiological biochemistry. This will be in the format of a WiKi / Case Study or equivalent and available to all of the students as a general resource for the class.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 40 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 60 |