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Department of Chemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


CH10191: Chemistry of the cell

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: EX100
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: After taking this unit you must take CH10192. You must have A-level chemistry or equivalent to take this unit.
Click here for further information 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;
* illustrate how carbohydrates are used for energy;
* state how lipids, proteins and carbohydrates control the function of membranes.

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. The structures of relevant carbohydrates and lipids and their role in metabolism and membrane formation. Relevant examples of different drugs directed at different biological targets with an emphasis on understanding their mode of action at a molecular level.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

CH10191 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFB07 : BSc (hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USCH-AKB08 : BSc (hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Industrial Training (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • USCH-AAB08 : BSc (hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Study Year abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • USCH-AFM05 : MChem (hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USCH-AKM03 : MChem (hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Industrial Training (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • USCH-AAM06 : MChem (hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1

CH10191 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Chemistry (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USCH-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Chemistry with Industrial Training (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • USCH-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Chemistry with Study Year abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • USCH-AFM02 : MChem (hons) Chemistry (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USCH-AKM02 : MChem (hons) Chemistry with Industrial Training (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • USCH-AAM03 : MChem (hons) Chemistry with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.