Biochemistry

This is a largely practical course, which develops experimental skills. A selection of practicals and follow-up sessions designed for students taking Pharmacology PHAR0004 provide reinforcement of the material in that course. Students learn to conduct simple experiments on in vitro preparations and present their findings in a written account, use animals in medical research from the standpoint of animal welfare and ethics; set-up tissue preparations and use transducers and computers to measure tension or length changes in smooth muscle preparations; understand the experimental conditions required to maintain tissues in vitro and of the requirements to achieve stimulation of nerves using pulse generators; perform dilutions of stock drug solutions and calculate appropriate volumes to add to organ baths to achieve the desired final concentrations; follow experimental protocols accurately to generate reproducible results; and quantify results and present them clearly in graphical form.

This summer course covers current topics in ecology and conservation. In addition to lectures and workshops, there is an emphasis on learning through field classes, some of which will take place in the South Downs National Park adjacent to the University of Sussex campus. Have the opportunity for experiential learning on ecology and conservation, presented by practicing scientists using their own research projects as examples.  Participants learn survey and identification skills through field trips and develop an understanding of conservation/applied ecology in relation to real world problems in such diverse areas as coastal conservation, rewilding and/or biodiversity monitoring in arthropods and vertebrates. This module assumes a basic level of biological/ecological knowledge, such as that provided by a Biology A-Level or first-year undergraduate instruction. 

The aim of this course is to let students understand all the basic concepts in biochemistry, and at same time, develop their ability of reading scientific literature directly in English and critical thinking.

This course develops an understanding of the molecular basis of life through study of the role of nutrients, not only as a source of energy but, as key elements that determine our cellular and whole-body physiology. The metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids and the role of vitamins are presented in the context of human health and disease. The consequences of vitamin deficiencies, mechanisms that allow cells to survive starvation and metabolic derangements such as diabetes and those caused by alcohol consumption are discussed. The course builds on Section 2 (Chemistry of Life) of BYU11101 (Molecules to Cells I) and CHU11B01 (Chemistry for Biologists). While this course is free standing and open, it does complement and expand on the lectures on metabolism in Module BYU22201 (Molecules to Cells II). This course is to prepare students hoping to pursue a moderatorship in the molecular biological sciences.

This course examines the structure and function of human body at a molecular level. Major topics include the understanding of protein structure and its important role as enzymes, structure-function relationship of biomolecules, cell metabolism and energy production, and the basics of cellular biochemistry. 

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director or Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. The internship may be taken during one or more terms but the units cannot exceed a total of 12.0 for the year.

This is an independent research course with research arranged between the student and faculty member. The specific research topics vary each term and are described on a special project form for each student. A substantial paper is required. The number of units varies with the student’s project, contact hours, and method of assessment, as defined on the student’s special study project form.

This course introduces the basic energetic principles governing metabolism and concepts of bioenegetics including discussions on enzymes and regulatory mechanisms in catabolic and anabolic pathways.   

As the second part of Biochemistry 1, Biochemistry 2 covers chemical reactions in biology on the basis of the molecular system. The course examines metabolism of lipids, amino acids, and carbohydrates; the anabolism of lipids, amino acids, and carbohydrates. Topics include gene expression, regulation of prokaryotes and ehkaryotes, protein targeting, protein synthesis, RNA processing, and DNA rearrangement. 

This course studies basic concepts of biochemistry and chemistry of food as well as the basic principles of food science and natural products chemistry.  The course covers the following topics: food allergens; novel functions of dietary vitamins and its contribution to our health; food and bioactive natural products for human health; beneficial health effects of dietary lipids; chemistry and biochemistry of marine toxins; application of high pressure to food processing; protein chemistry; bioactive molecules and their application for drug discovery; medicinal chemistry of antibacterial and antiviral agents; synthetic and medicinal chemistry of marine natural products, and nutrient-inspired biomaterials and its applications for the health purposes.