Download 200-Level Biochemistry

200-Level Biochemistry
NEW ZEALAND
For a BIOCHEMISTRY major in a BSc degree you need to take three 200-level BIOC papers, BIOC 221, BIOC 222 and
BIOC 223. For a BIOCHEMISTRY minor you need to take two of BIOC 221, BIOC 222 and BIOC 223.
These Biochemistry 200-level papers can be included in other majors in a BSc, BBiomedSc, BAppSc, BCApSc, or crosscredited to other degrees (e.g. Arts, Commerce or Law).
Below you will find a brief description of each of the three 200-level BIOC papers, followed by the paper prescriptions
and some information on the pre-requisites and recommended combinations of papers. Additional information relating
to timetabling, paper restrictions and major subject requirements can be found in your Guide to Enrolment, or visit the
following website:
www.otago.ac.nz/subjects/bioc.html#major
For further information contact Tony Zaharic in the BIOC 192 office, or see
http://biochem.otago.ac.nz/courses/index.html (for information on courses and papers)
http://biochem.otago.ac.nz/courses/undergrad.html (for information on pathways of study)
BIOC 221
Molecular Biology
First Semester
Molecular biology is the study of biology at a molecular level and has revolutionized our understanding of how cells and
organisms function. In this paper you will learn how information is stored in DNA, how it is retrieved and how it can
be manipulated. Discoveries in molecular biology are profoundly changing the world we live in - from the sequencing
of the human genome, which is leading to new ways to diagnose and treat disease, to genetically modified microbes and
plants.
BIOC 221 is a required first semester paper if you are thinking of majoring in Biochemistry, and is highly recommended
for Genetics. In fact, there is probably no field of biology that does not utilise the knowledge or techniques of molecular
biology, and this paper is therefore useful for students majoring in any of the life sciences. In BIOC 221 we will look at
the genomes of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, and discuss how genetic information is encoded, replicated, packaged,
and can be analysed using the tools of molecular biology. Next, we focus on the structure and regulation of individual
genes and follow the flow of information into protein synthesis.
Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on genetic engineering and how we can identify and manipulate genes
using new technologies developed for the genome projects. The project-based, modular laboratory course will reinforce
the lecture material and provide hands on experience in molecular biology research.
BIOC 222
Proteins and Biotechnology
Second Semester
Biotechnology is seen as a new industrial revolution, with the smoke stacks, factories and mines of the 19th Century being
replaced with a knowledge-based industry of biochemical processes and information relating to genes, proteins and
metabolism. In this course we will introduce you to the fundamental properties of proteins, with a focus on how ‘sequence
determines structure’ and ‘structure determines function’. We will also explore the mechanisms by which cells control
and modify protein function. We will examine how a protein’s lifetime is regulated and how a protein’s activity can be
stimulated or repressed by different modifications.
The basic properties of enzymes will also be introduced and we will study specific examples of catalysis. How proteins
and enzymes can be engineered, and the industrial application of enzymes and their use as drug targets will also be studied.
Common techniques used to study proteins will be reviewed. The course will conclude by bringing together this knowledge
using examples of specific new biotechnological processes and how these will influence medicine, agriculture and biodiversity.
The lecture course is complemented by a practical course that will provide experience in the experimental techniques
used to purify and characterize proteins. You will apply experimental techniques, research the scientific literature and
search databases to fully characterize isolated proteins.
BIOC 223
Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism
Second Semester
This paper focuses on the way that living systems obtain their energy and how this energy is captured and used to
maintain the cell, and for growth. We examine how different fuels are utilised, how core metabolic molecules are produced
and the way in which nitrogen is metabolised. Finally, we look at signalling systems that integrate and control all of these
different processes.
The topics covered include aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolism; metabolism of fasting and fed states (particularly
in humans); carbon fixation in photosynthesis including the assimilation of the sugars produced in this process; how
nitrogen is acquired, used, and disposed of; and the role of hormones such as insulin, glucagon, cortisol and adrenaline
in human metabolism. We will also discuss the metabolic basis of a number of diseases including diabetes, metabolic
syndrome, and the effects of trauma.
The lecture course is integrated with a series of three laboratory blocks that provide an experimental insight into the
lecture material, including the role of blood metabolites during exercise and disease, and the biochemical role of some
sports drinks, and nitrogen metabolism. The laboratory course involves considerable experimental work and will give
you practical experience of in acquiring and analysing biochemical information.
The following information was taken from the 2010 Guide to Enrolment.
BIOC 221
Molecular Biology
(first semester) 18 points
From gene to protein. How genetic information is stored and determines biological function. Principles and applications
of genetic engineering. Impact of molecular biology on health, agriculture and New Zealand society.
Prerequisites:
CELS 191 & CHEM 191 & 36 further points
Recommended preparation: BIOC 192
Recommended concurrent study:
BIOC 222
GENE 221
Proteins and Biotechnology
(second semester) 18 points
Proteins are drivers of all life processes. The diversity of protein structure and function, and how the shape of proteins
determines their function. How biotechnology solves medical and industrial problems.
Prerequisites:
BIOC 192 & CELS 191 & CHEM 191 & 18 further points
Recommended preparation:
BIOC 221, GENE 221
Recommended concurrent study:
BIOC 223
BIOC 223
Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism
(second semester) 18 points
Metabolism provides the fuels and molecules for life. How metabolic processes are regulated and coordinated in animals
and plants. Human disease states that arise from metabolic imbalances.
Prerequisites:
BIOC 192 & CELS 191 & CHEM 191 & 18 further points
Recommended preparation:
BIOC 221
Recommended concurrent study:
BIOC 222