* To provide an understanding of the structure and function of the major biological molecules * To provide an understanding of the principles of metabolism * To provide an understanding of the biochemistry of blood and basic immunology

The structure and biological function of proteins: Amino acids, peptides and the peptide bond. Polypeptides.Overview of protein function; catalysis, transport, structural, regulatory and defence functions. Case study; structure and function of muscle proteins; myosin, actin and muscle contraction. The structure and biological functions of carbohydrates: Monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides. Storage and structural functions. The structure and biological functions of lipids: Fatty acids. Storage and structural lipids. Biological membranes. Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA. Genome structure. Transcription and gene regulation. Translation. Basic metabolic principles; metabolic pathways, catabolism versus anabolism. Overview of stage I, II and III catabolic pathways. Summary overview of carbohydrate catabolism; glycolysis and the TCA cycle. The generation and uses of ATP; oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport. The biochemistry of blood: Blood; composition and major functions. Haemoglobin and gas transport. Blood and pH regulation. Introductory immunology: Humoral immunity; antigens and antibodies. Cellular immunity. Cytokine based regulation of immune function.

1. Define specify biochemistry terms. 2. Understand the vocabulary of biochemical. 3. Draw the chemical structure of the major biomolecules. 4. Identify and label biological cell components. 5. Recall new biochemical terms 6. Locate and retrieve appropriate information. 7. Work cooperatively in laboratory groups. 8. Understanding of principles of biological laboratory safety. 9. Perform biochemical laboratory techniques 10. Record and write clearly a well structured laboratory notebook. 11. Evaluating scientific evidence and distinguishing between fact and opinion.

1. Listen to class presentations and follow laboratory directions. 2. Acknowledge that the basic underlying biochemical principles of living systems is interesting and rewarding; 3. Value that studying biochemistry is relevant to everyday life and can b

1. Operate analytical instrumentation in a laboratory. 2. Manipulate chemical solution and compounds. 3. Correctly perform laboratory skills and display a habit of good laboratory practices (GMP

The module will be taught through lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions. The content will follow an international text book on the basic biochemical principles. The laboratory session will allow for taught biochemical content to be put into practice with hands on manipulation. The class will write a laboratory report.

News of major breakthrough in biochemistry in research literature will be communicated to students. e.g. Noble prize winners in biochemistry etc