Biochemistry
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE2111 | Biomedical Sciences | 2 | 20 | Spring Malaysia |
- Code
- LIFE2111
- School
- Biomedical Sciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring Malaysia
Summary
The module aims to give an overview on the classical topics on the structure and function of the basic molecules in the cells, enzyme thermodynamics and kinetics, enzyme activity and its regulation as well as lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in health and disease states.
Target Students
Compulsory for all students registered for the Single Honours degree in Biomedical Sciences with or without another subject and other students subject to approval.
Classes
- One 7-hour practicum
- Two 7-hour practicums each week for 2 weeks
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 13 weeks
Assessment
- 30% Lab report 1: Lab report on DNA cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification (1,500 - 2,000 word)
- 20% Lab report 2: Lab report on enzyme kinetics (1,000 - 1,500 word)
- 50% Exam 1 (1-hour): 1 hr Rogo Exam
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module focuses on the structure and function of the basic molecules in human cells, including DNA, RNA and protein. With an understanding on these basic molecules, knowledge on thermodynamics, enzyme kinetics and regulation of the protein activity will be introduced. This information will finally be integrated with the metabolic processes such as glucose and lipid metabolism. The module will explain how metabolism is regulated and describe the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation. Metabolic control is essential for the health and survival of all organisms, and the dysregulation of metabolism underlies many of the major health problems of the 21st century, such as obesity and type II diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesterolemia and heart diseases.Practical sessions will be integrated with the knowledge learned to allow students to gain further understanding on DNA cloning, recombinant protein expression and protein purification techniques; as well as to analyse the kinetics of the enzyme-catalysed reactions.Learning Outcomes
MLO 1: Describe the basic structure and function of molecules in the cells (C2-Understanding); MLO 2: Analyze the biochemical pathways in healthy and disease states (C4-Analyzing); MLO 3: Display the ability to produce lab reports through collected datasets (P3-Guided response)
Conveners
- Dr Yuh Fen Pung