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CH10191: Chemistry of the cell

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2014/5
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Chemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: After taking this unit you must take CH10192. You must have A-level chemistry or equivalent to take this unit.
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To teach the students the fundamentals of biochemistry with an emphasis on its central role in the drug discovery process.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles
* describe the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
* understand how proteins are key to cellular function
* explain how the secondary and tertiary structures of proteins control structure and function
* understand how enzymes catalyse reactions
* describe how receptors communicate information
* understand the central role of protein targets in the drug discovery process
* explain how nucleic acids encode genetic information
* describe how proteins are synthesised on the ribosome.

Skills:
Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Numeracy & computation T/F/A, Problem solving T/F, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently F

Content:
Overview of the cell. Proteins: amino acids - structures, ionisation and physical properties; primary, secondary and tertiary structure and an overview of protein folding, conformation and degradation. Enzymes: catalysis, kinetics, regulation. Receptors: structure and signal transduction; agonists, antagonists, mode of action. Common methods for purifying and analysing proteins. Nucleic acids: structures, ionisation and physical properties; DNA: primary and secondary structure; packaging; replication, transcription. Different types of RNA; Protein synthesis: the ribosome and mRNA translation. Relevant examples of different drugs directed at different biological targets with an emphasis on understanding their mode of action at a molecular level.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

CH10191 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFB07 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Year 1)
  • USCH-AAB08 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCH-AFM05 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Year 1)
  • USCH-AAM06 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCH-AKB08 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Industrial Placement (Year 1)
  • USCH-AKM03 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Industrial Placement (Year 1)

CH10191 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2014/15 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2015/16 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2014/15.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.