Undergraduate - UnitPSC2011 - Pharmaceutical biochemistry

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

An introduction to biomolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleotides) and their functions. An introduction to protein 3-D structure determination, crystallisation and structures of receptors, membrane proteins, antibodies and co-factors. An understanding of enzyme inhibition and classification of enzyme inhibitors. Stereochemistry and conformational analysis of carbohydrates. The process of cellular (organism) information flow including DNA and RNA synthesis and protein metabolism. Metabolism including energy metabolism (glycolysis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation); carbohydrate and fat metabolism including cholesterol metabolism and mechanisms of lipid transport and the overall integration of metabolism and its relation to metabolic diseases.

This will involve the study of:

• Proteins
• Nucleic Acids and Information Flow
• Carbohydrates and Lipids
• Metabolism

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. discuss methods used in elucidating the 3-D structures of proteins, identify domains in protein structures with similar or different functions and appreciate the applications of protein engineering.
2. understand how enzymes can catalyse specific reactions, explain how a receptor is activated and understand how antibodies recognise and bind to antigens.
3. classify enzyme inhibitors into different types and discuss the advantages and disadvantages for each type.
4. discuss stereochemistry and conformational analysis of carbohydrates.
5. able to demonstrate fatty acids nomenclature and classify lipids into different types.
6. demonstrate their understanding of nucleotides, nucleic acids and the nature of information transfer by discussing aspects of the process from an enzymatic to biomolecular level.
7. demonstrate their understanding of the principle metabolic pathways and the basis of their regulation and connections by describing their roles and how they are regulated.
8. demonstrate their understanding of integrated biochemical and physiological functions, pathophysiological and biochemical or genetic perturbations as they affect bodily functions by describing how the metabolic pathways are regulated under normal fed and fasting conditions and a diseased condition such as diabetes mellitus type 1.

Assessment

Final exam (3 hour): 70%; written test: 10%; practical test: 10%; practical work: 10%.

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Ossama El-Kabbani

Contact hours

36 hours of lectures, 5 hours of tutorials and 3 practical classes

Prerequisites

Organic chemistry (PSC1021, PSC1022) and physiology (PSC1081 and PSC1082).

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.monash.edu.au/muso/support/