Biochemistry II – Metabolism of Human CompoundsModule Details

Rationale 

This course is taught together with Physiology as part of physiological sciences. The two courses are separated for ease of use by the lecturers. Biochemical compounds made within the human body for the basis for the normal functioning of various processes and parts of the body. An understanding of the normal functioning of these and how they can be deranged is important in institution medical and surgical interventions.

The biochemistry course aims to provide students with the further knowledge and skills required for the   analysis   of bodily fluids for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. 

Learning Outcomes 

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)    Explain why fatty acids are ideal for long-term energy storage.
(ii)   Describe changes in fatty acid metabolism associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
(iii)   Illustrate the common origin of steroid hormones and explain how subtle differences in the position of functional groups result in functional diversity of the hormones.
(iv)   Outline the synthesis and fate of amino acids in the body.
(v)    Elucidate the flow of information from DNA in the nucleus to the amino acid sequence on a polypeptide in the cytosol.
(vi)   Explain normal nutritional processes and identify deviations that can lead to diseases.
(vii)  Describe the genetic basis of some diseases.
(viii)  Analyse how the prosthetic group heme is synthesized and degraded.
(ix)   Explain the mechanisms of oxygen binding to myoglobin and haemoglobin.