Handbook

BIOL813 focuses on the principles of biochemistry. With increasingly robust technologies that provide detailed views of molecular processes, progress in biochemistry is exciting - providing new wonders and new challenges. Students will explore the biochemical structure and biological function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids and their subunits. Students will learn about enzymes as important reaction catalysts of biological systems, without which life would not exist.  Through an exploration of information pathways students will learn about the molecular structure of genetic material, how this genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next with high fidelity and how this genetic information is ultimately expressed in the astonishing variety of protein molecules in a living cell. Through the exploration of real-life case studies students will gain an appreciation of how biochemistry continues to solve modern challenges in human and environmental health but also plays a role in sustainability, food security, water and sanitation, just to name a few. Thus touching on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  Through engagement in group and individual activities, students will develop skills in effective problem-solving and communication, alongside teamwork, whilst developing digital literacy and data integrity skills through utilisation of an electronic laboratory notebook. Providing students with professional skills sought after by employers.