BMED19010 Macromolecules and Cell Function

This course examines the chemistry and function played by macromolecules in the cell, as well as that of water and pH buffering systems. The course focuses on the structure and function of important biomolecules (amino acids, peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids), as well as cellular structures (organelles and membranes). The biochemistry of cell signalling pathways, cell cycle, cell division and cell death processes. The role nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) plays in cell function (replication and repair, transcription, translation). Post-translational modification of proteins. Introduction to bioinformatics and proteomics. The practical component provides students with experience in biochemical analyses, together with a major laboratory research project. Distance education students will be required to attend a residential school for this course.