Download DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(BIOCHEMISTRYPROGRAMME)
SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
COVENANT UNIVERSITY
COURSE COMPACT
COURSE CODE:
BCH 417
COURSE TITLE:
BIOCHEMISTRY OF MACROMOLECULES
UNITS:
2
SEMESTER/ SESSION:
ALPHA, 2014/2015
COURSE LECTURERS:
*Course Coordinator
*Dr. S.O. Rotimi and Dr. O.E. Omotosho
TIME:
See timetable
LOCATION:
See timetable
A.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF COURSE:
The course examines the structure and functions of the major macromolecules
(carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) found in living organisms. Emphasis
is on the storage and structural polysaccharides, complex lipids, glycoproteins,
bacterial cell wall components, nucleic acids, dextrans, ascorbic acids and
secondary metabolites such as antibiotics.
B.
OBJECTIVES/GOALS:
At the end of this course, the students should be able to:
 Describe the different types of macromolecules and their building block
molecules.
1
 Draw the structures of the major macromolecules: polysaccharides, dextrans,
lipids, glycoproteins, lipoproteins, nucleic acids, etc.
 Describe the structure of secondary metabolites such as antibiotics.
 Discuss the significance of hybrid molecules, e.g. glycoproteins and
lipoproteins
 Explain the major functions of the different macromolecules.
C.
METHODS OF LECTURE DELIVERY /TEACHING AIDS
Lecture Delivery and Teaching Aids include;
 Guided instructions
 Interactive classroom session
 Transparencies, multimedia
 Diagrams
 Laboratory Practicals
 Tests for complex carbohydrates
 Tests for cholesterol
D.
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1
Hierarchical Organization of Life (Dr. S. O. Rotimi)
Week 1
Overview of hierarchy of cell structure
Week 2
Classes of Macromolecules
Module 2
Complex Carbohydrates (Dr. S.O Rotimi)
Week 3
Storage Polysaccharides
Week 4
Cell wall polysaccharides, glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides
Week 5
Carbohydrate-derived antibiotics
Week 6
Dextrans and ascorbic acids
Mid-term Test
2
Module 3
Complex Lipids, Membrane and Plant Lipids (Dr. O.E.
Omotosho)
Week 7
Complex lipids: sterols, cholesterols, steroid hormones
Week 8
Lipoproteins, chylomicrons, and blood lipids
Week 9
Membrane lipids; structure of biological membranes
Week 10
Plant lipids: terpenes, saponins, tannins and flavonoids
Module 4
Nucleic Acids and Ribosomes (Dr. O.E. Omotosho)
Week 11
Structure and functions of DNA IN prokaryotic and eukaryotic
organisms
Week 12
Ribosomes: subunits, structures and functions
Week 13
Tutorials
Week 14
Revision and evaluation.
E. TUTORIALS
 Explain the hierarchical organization of cells
 Describe the classes of macromolecules
 Discuss the structure and function of complex carbohydrates
 Describe structure and function of types of complex lipids
F. STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME/ METHOD OF GRADING
1.
2.
G.
Continuous Assessment
30 Marks
(i)
Test 1/ Test 2
15 Marks
(ii)
Mid-Semester Test
15 Marks
Semester Examination
70 Marks
GROUND RULES AND REGULATIONS
The following ground rules and observations shall be observed:
3
 Mandatory 75% class attendance.
 No eating or dozing in the classroom or laboratory.
 Active participation in all activities.
 All class assignments must be submitted on time
 Punctuality to classes must be observed
H.
TOPICS FOR TERM PAPERS/ ASSIGNMENTS
(i)
Discuss the hierarchy of cell structure
(ii)
Explain the roles of the major classes of macromolecules in the
determination of cell structure and activities.
(iii)
Describe the structure and synthesis of principal storage
polysaccharides.
(iv)
Explain the chemical and structural differences between the cell wall
polymers of plants, fungi and bacteria.
(v)
Write short notes on carbohydrate-derived antibiotics and vitamin C.
(vi)
Discuss the roles of lipids in the structure and function of the cell
membrane.
(vii) Describe the nature of lipoproteins and other blood lipids in relation to
the incidence of arteriosclerosis and heart diseases.
(viii) Write elaborately on the structure and functions of major plant lipids.
(ix)
Outline the molecular and structural differences between DNA and
RNA.
(x)
H.
Discuss the structure and functions of the different ribosomal subunits
ALIGNMENT WITH UNIVERSITY VISION AND GOALS
4
The pattern of lecture delivery shall be aligned with the vision and goals
of Covenant University which is geared towards building a new
generation of world leaders that will restore the dignity of mankind. This
will be achieved in the following ways
 Every lecture shall start with a prayer
 Class sessions shall be interactive and participatory
 Lectures shall focus on capacity building by citing practical
examples and relating topics to industry
 Students shall be made to strictly adhere to the ground rules and
regulations of this course.
I.
INDUSTRIAL RELEVANCE
Knowledge garnered in this course shall be relevant in the medical, food,
biotechnology and agricultural industries.
J.
RECOMMENDED READING
1. Lehninger, A. Principles of Biochemistry (5th edition)
2. Horton H. A. et al. Principles of Biochemistry (4th edition)
3. Stryer, L. Biochemistry (4th edition).
4. Campbell,M.K and Farrell,S.O. Biochemistry (6th Edition)
5. Russell et al. Biology, the dynamic science (ISE).
5