Biochemistry I – Biochemical Processes in the Human BodyModule Details

Rationale

The normal functioning of the biochemical process in the human body are important to understand. This forms the basis upon which illnesses and disease conditions can be corrected.

The biochemistry course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for the analysis of bodily fluids for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The course focuses on metabolism of high energy compounds and heme.

Learning Outcomes 

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)    Explain the features of high-energy compounds.
(ii)   Demonstrate how glucose metabolism results in the release of energy.
(iii)  Describe the central role of the citric acid cycle in metabolism.
(iv)  Analyse how the energy of electron-flow down a gradient is converted to ATP, the universal energy currency.
(v)   Interpret the significance of O₂ in respiration.
(vi)  Elucidate the alternative pathway of glucose metabolism that results in reducing equivalents for anabolic processes and pentose ribose for nucleic acids.
(vii) Illustrate how liver and kidney metabolism respond to falling blood glucose levels to protect vital organs like the brain.
(viii)Evaluate the changes in glycogen metabolism at various times of the day.