To provide a solid understanding and knowledge of fundamental biochemical processes which will underpin the ability of secondary school educators to communicate effectively the central principles of biology.

The course is delivered as a series of lectures covering the following topics: - Topic 1 : Carbohydrates - Topic 2 : Lipids - Topic 3 : Amino acids - Topic 4 :Protein - Topic 5 : Nucleic acids - Topic 6 : Enzymes - Topic 7 : Membranes - Topic 8 : Muscles - Topic 9 : Nerves - Topic 10 : Hormones - Topic 11 : Metabolism This is supported by a series of laboratory based practical investigations covering the following areas: - Area 1: Analysis of carbohydrates - Area 2: Exploring Lipids - Area 3: Behaviour of Amino acids and Proteins - Area 4: Enzymes - Area 5: Nutrition The course is examined through a series of term tests, practical laboratory write ups, and an end of term exam based on multiple choice questions and essay style questions.

1. Specify, describe and distinguish the building blocks of the major macromolecules in organisms and cells. 2. Identify, describe and discuss the major macromolecules in terms of structure, chemistry and their function in organisms and cells. 3. Describe how enzymes catalyse biological reactions, and identify key components in systems which contribute to catalysis. 4. Distinguish between different enzyme inhibitor classes 5. Describe the components of and discuss the functions of biological membranes 6. Discuss and explain the function of muscles and nerves 7. State the function of important hormones 8. Describe and explain how ATP is generated in cells, and distinguish between the different systems involved (Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron transport chain, proton motive force) 9. Utilize well labelled diagrams to aid convey information on all topics. 10. Describe and perform experimentation to distinguish between different macromolecules 11. Given data for enzyme catalysed reactions, extract values for the key kinetic parameters Km and Vmax 12. Describe, explain and perform experimentation to determine kinetic parameters for enzymes 13. Given data for construction of a standard curve, estimate the concentration of unknown solutions.

The student will develop the skills and confidence to be able to tackle and understand complex biological systems. The student will have an appreciation of the rigors of correct scientific procedures and be able to evaluate the quality of new scientific information.

The student will become familiar with and utilize a wide range of basic scientific equipment. The student will be able to conduct themselves in a safe manner in a laboratory environment. The student will have the necessary organizational skills to set up and implement a scientific experiment.