- Course Code
- BI 25M1
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Professor W F Long
Pre-requisites
BI 1004 and BI 1507 and CM 1010 or CM 1011. TS 1001 strongly recommended for students with C or less at Higher (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Physics.
Overview
This course deals with the ways in which molecular events within cells are organised and controlled. Following a brief biochemical tour of the cell, the mechanisms by which chemical energy is harvested within cells is studied by reference to the processes of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, the breakdown of fatty acids, the terminal respiration system and oxidative phosphorylation. Mechanisms by which complex molecules are built from simple precursers are explored. Gluconeogenesis, glycogen synthesis, photosynthesis, the glyoxylate cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway and amino-acid metabolism are used to illustrate general concepts. A survey of the ways in which chemical events are catalysed is included, and the course concludes by examining the mechanisms by which cell activity may be influenced by the rates of flow occurring in net-worked systems of reactions.
Structure
3 one-hour lectures per week; a total of 2 three-hour practical classes; a total of 4 one and a half-hour tutorials.
Assessment
1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%).
Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%).