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PA10237: Introduction to chemical biology and pharmacology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
Further information on credits Credits: 12
Further information on unit levels Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Academic Year
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: EX 100%
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: This unit is only available to students with A level chemistry at grade A or B or equivalent.
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To introduce the student to the organisation of procaryotic and eucaryotic cells, and introduce the structure and function of cell components including amino acids, peptides and proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. To provide a chemical approach to study the structure and function of nucleic acids and their role in protein synthesis. To introduce the student to general aspects of pharmacology and receptor theory. To explain the behaviour of biological systems as a consequence of their chemical properties.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the unit the student should be able to describe the properties of proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids and their building blocks and to present the rationale for how such macromolecules maintain their in vivo structures and functions; demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of nucleic acids and their role in protein synthesis; understand the concept of a receptor as defined by classical pharmacological means; have an understanding of how drugs targeting enzyme and protein receptors work.

Skills:
Working with others (T/F)
Study skills, problem solving (T/F)
Handling information (T/F)
Scientific and practical skills (T/F).

Content:
An outline of cellular organisation, structure and function of major organelles and membranes in procaryotic and eucaryotic cells. Structure, classification, biosynthetic origins and biochemical roles of amino acids. The nature of the peptide bond and the forces which maintain primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins. Protein function, reactive groups, enzymes and catalysis, allostery, protein fractionation. The structure of relevant carbohydrates and lipids, and the biological role of these molecules in energy metabolism. Structure and organisation of DNA and RNA; Nucleotide synthesis, DNA replication, RNA transcription, protein synthesis. Receptor theory, agonists, antagonists, measurements of potency, pA2; Examples of the above taken from blood and respiratory pharmacology.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PA10237 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology

PA10237 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
  • USPA-AFB02 : BSc (hons) Pharmacology (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USPA-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Pharmacology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • USPA-AKM02 : MPharmacology (hons) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1

PA10237 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Industrial Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* 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.