Title: Biochemistry

The aim of this module is to enable students to explain the complete understanding at the molecular level of all the chemical processes associated with living cells. This is basically realized by isolating molecules and understanding their structure and their function.

In addition, this module of biochemistry is intended to enable students to describe the composition of cells and tissues, the role of biomolecules and their transformations in the structures and functions of cells, tissues, organs, systems, and the human organism as a whole in both health and disease.

Examples explaining taught concepts will be specifically selected to introduce the student to human biochemistry.

 Learning Outcomes

 At the end of the course, you will be able to:

1. Describe the basic concepts of Biochemistry
2. To describe the general properties of molecules composing the living species.
3. Describe the role of biomolecules and their transformations in the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, systems, and the human organism as a whole
4. Describe and evaluate approaches to the understanding of the normal biochemical processes as the basis of health
5. Relate the link between basic biochemical principles and medical applications
6. Use current biochemical and molecular techniques to plan and carry out experiments.

 Allocation of study hours

Total student hours: 150 | Student hours
Lectures Assignments – preparation and writing Examination – revision and attendance | 72
Practical classes/laboratory | 18
Self-directed study | 40

 Learning and Teaching Strategy

 Teaching and learning will be done through blended learning (face to face and online learning). Simulation Videos, Tutorials, practicals, will be available on the Learning Management System (LMS) with the purpose to create an active learning environment that interests, challenges and motivates students

Laboratory classes will be provided to support the lecture materials and to practice the application of analytical skills to biological problems. The materials to be covered in the practical classes will be assessed by group reports within eight days following the session. More focus will be on collaborative learning which will require students to work in teams of four for every assignment.

 Assessment Strategy

Students’ performance will be evaluated through formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments will comprise collaborative assignments, written reports (essays) with oral presentations of the tutorials per group and direct assessment during practicals and two continuous assessment tests.  The Summative assessment will consist of a written exam organized at the end of the trimester/semester during the period of examinations. The written exam (multiple choice and short answer questions) will cover the theoretical aspects as well some aspects developed during laboratory work sessions.

The allocation of marks is +1 for each correct response and 0 for a wrong response in multiple choice questions.

 Attendance at all assessments is compulsory. In case of unauthorized absence unjustified by a valid medical certificate, the penalty will be 0 points to the concerned assessment.

Assessment Pattern

Component | Weighting (%) | Number | Learning objectives covered
In-course assessment: |  |  |
Continuous assessment Test (CAT) : written test (1h30) | 30% | 2 | i-v
Collaborative assignment | 15% | Minimum 4 | i-v
Laboratory report book | 10% | For each laboratory experiment | vi
Final Examination (3h) | 50% |  | i-vi

Strategy for feedback and student support during module

 Feedback and support will be provided through online messaging, live chat support, group discussions and tutor comments during presentations. It will also be done by using an in course online satisfactory survey.

Section 1
Welcome Message
  The module description
  Introduction Forum
Week1- Unit 1: Cell
  1-1 Cell types and structures
  Activity ahead of lesson: Cellular concept; Cell theory; Prokaryotes ;Eukaryotes
  In class activities: Cell types and structure
  Laboratory Practicals :Laboratory safety measures and how to write a lab report
Week 2 - UNIT 1_2: Subcellular structures and their functions
  Activity ahead of lesson: Sub-cellular structures and their functions
  In class activity: Sub cellular structures and their functions
  Laboratory practicals :Microscopic measurements
  UNIT 1_2: Sub Cellular structures and their functions
Week 2 - Unit 1_3: The Cytoskeleton
  Content of Unit 1_4: Cellular Junction
  Activity ahead of lesson: Cytoskeleton
  In class activity: Microtubule Dynamism
  Laboratory practicals: Cellular fractionation
Week 3 - Unit 1_4: Cellular Juction
  Content of Unit 1_4: Cellular Junctions
  Activity ahead of lesson: Cellular Junction
  In class activity: Cell Juctions
  Laboratory practicals: Cell counting and viability
Week 3 - Unit 1_5: The Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
  The content of Unit 1_5: The Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
  Activity ahead of lesson: ECM
  In class activity: Assignment
Week 4 - Unit 1.6_ Cell Division
  Content of unit 1.6_Cell division
  Activity ahead of lesson: Prokaryotic cell division
  In class activity: Prokaryotic cell division
  Activity ahead of lesson: Eukaryotic cell division- Mitosis
  Activity ahead of lesson: Eukaryotic cell Division - Meiosis
  Laboratory practicals :Mitosis in onion roots
Week 4 - Unit 1_7: Cell Cycle Regulation
  Content of Unit 1_7: Cell Cycle Regulation
  Activity ahead of lesson: Cell Cycle Regulation
  In class activity: Regulatory Molecules in Cell Cycle
  In Class activity: Cancer and Cell Cycle
Week 5 - Unit 2. Molecular Composition of Cell
  Content of Unit 2. Molecular Composition of Cell
  Activity ahead of lesson: Basic Chemistry of the cell
  In class activity: Covalent and Ionic Bond
  Activity ahead of lesson: Water
  In class activity: Acid and Base Problems
Week 5 - Unit 2-2_Carbohydrates
  Content of Unit 2-2_ Carbohydrates
  Activity ahead of lesson: Carbohydrates
  In class activity: Isomers and Stereochemistry
  Laboratory Practicals : Qualitative analysis of carbohydrates
Week 6 - Unit 2-3 : Lipids
  Content of Unit 2-3 : Lipids
  Activity ahead of lesson: Lipids
  In class activity: Saturated vs Unsaturated Fatty Acids
  In class activity: Fats and Oils
  In class activity: Phospholipids
Week 6 - Unit 2_4 Proteins
  Content of Unit 2_4 Proteins
  Activity ahead of lesson : Proteins
  In class activity: Amino Acids
  In class activity: Proteins
  Laboratory Practicals : Determination of total proteins
Week 7 - Unit 2_5 : Nucleic Acids
  Content of Unit 2_5 : Nucleic Acids
  Activity ahead of lesson: Nucleic Acids
  In class activity: Nucleotide vs Nucleosides
  In class activity: Nucleic Acids Structures
  Laboratory Practicals: Laboratory Report Review 1
Week 8 - Unit 3_1: Components and structure of plasma membrane
  Content of Unit 3_1: Cell membrane
  Activity ahead of lesson: Components and structure of plasma membrane
  In class activity: Cell membrane structure 1
  In class activity: Cell membrane structure 1
  In Class Activity: Fluid Mosaic Model
Week 8 - Unit 3_2: Membrane Transport Mechanism
  Content of Unit 3_2: Membrane Transport Mechanism
  Activity Ahead of Lesson: Transport Across The Plasma Membrane
  In Class Activity: Ion channels and carrier proteins
  Activity Ahead of Lesson: Osmosis and Tonicity:
  In Class Activity: Demonstrating osmosis (Part 1 and Part 2)
  Activity ahead of course: Active transport
  In Class Activity: Bulk Transport
  Laboratory Practicals: Osmosis and Cellular Permeability
Week 9 - Unit 4_1: DNA Structure and Genome Organization
  Content of Unit 4_1: DNA Structure And Genome Organization
  Activity Ahead of Lesson: DNA Structure
  In Class Activity: Grifffith’s Bacterial Experiments
  In Class Activity: DNA Structure
  Activity Ahead of Lesson: DNA Packaging
  Laboratory Practicals : Laboratory Report Review 1
Week 9 - Unit 4_2: DNA Replication
  Content of Unit 4_2: DNA Replication
  Activity Ahead of Lesson: DNA Replication
  In Class Activity: Prokaryotes Enzymes in DNA Replication
  In Class Activity: Leading and Lagging Strand
  In Class Activity: DNA Repair
  Laboratory Practicals : DNA Extraction
Week 10- UNIT 4_3: Transcription
  Content of Unit 4_3: Transcription
  Activity ahead of Lesson: Prokaryote and Eukaryote Transcription
  In Class Activity: Transcription vs Replication
  In Class Activity: Prokaryotes Transcription Termination
  In Class Activity: Eukaryotic Transcription vs Prokaryotic Transcription
  Laboratory Practicals : Qualitative Analysis Of Proteins
Week 10 - Unit 4_4: Translation
  Activity ahead of Lesson: Translation
  In Class Activity: Transcription Initiation
  In Class Activity: To understand Translation
  Content of Unit 4_4: Translation
Week 11 - Unit 4_5: Control of Gene Expression
  Content of Unit 4_5: Control of Gene Expression
  Activity ahead of Lesson: Prokaryotic Gene Regulation
  In Class Activity: TRP Operon
  In Class Activity: LAC Operon
  Activity ahead of Lesson: Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
  In Class Activity: Eukaryotic Regulation
  Laboratory Practicals : Laboratory Report Review 1