Lesson Structure:  Biochemistry 1 – (Animals and Humans) BSC103

There are 10 lessons:

1.  Introduction To Biochemistry

• The basics; atoms, chemical bonds, molecules
• The Periodic Table
• Parts of a Molecule
• Common chemical groups
• Using these groups
• Arrangement of atoms in a molecule
• Chemical Nomenclature
• Hydrocarbons
• Aromaticity
• Organisms and Organic Compounds
• Biochemical Processes in the cell

2. Lipids and Proteins

• Carbohydrates; types
• Hydrolysis
• Carbohydrate Function
• Lipids
• Fatty Acids
• Triglycerides
• Phospholipids
• Terminology
• Commercially useful fats and lipids
• Proteins
• Functional Categorisation of Proteins
• Proteins in the human diet

3. Enzymes and Hormones

• Classification of hormones
• Endocrine Glands
• Enzyme activation
• Enzyme deactivation
• Digestion
• Digestive Enzymes
• Digestive Hormones
• Enzyme – Project required – PBL Problem-Based Learning

4. Nucleic Acids

• Scope
• Nucleotide Structure
• RNA
• DNA
• ATP
• ADP

5. Thermo-regulation

• Raising temperature
• Lowering Temperature
• Effect of Temperature on Enzymes
• Sweat Glands
• Energy Production
• Individual BMR
• Fever

6. Carbohydrate Metabolism

• Glycogenesis
• Glycogenolysis
• Gluconeogenesis
• Hyperglycaemia
• Hypoglycaemia
• Carbohydrate Oxidation
• Glycolysis Citric Acid Cycle
• Anaerobic Respiration
• Carbohydrate Storage
• Absorption of Carbohydrates
• Carbohydrates in Mammals
• Comparing Energy Pathways
• The Urea Cycle
• Absorption
• Digestion
• Digestive Enzymes
• Chemical Digestion

7.  Absorption

• Peristalsis
• Gastric, Pancreatic and Intestinal Juices

8.  Acidity and Alkalinity

• pH
• Measuring pH
• Buffers
• Animal Acid Base Balance
• Acidosis and Alkalosis
• Mammalian Buffer Systems
• Role of Renal System in Acid Base Balance

9.  Chemical Analysis

• Biochemical Testing
• Concentration testing
• Moles and Molarity
• Chromatography
• Spectrophotometry
• Analysis of Biomolecules
• DNA Composition
• RNA Composition
• Protein Composition
• Titration

10.  Biochemical Applications

• Environmental and Agricultural Testing
• Medical Science
• Poisons/Toxins
• Cell Structure

Please Note:  At the end of each lesson there is an assignment for completion and forwarded to your tutor for grading.  Relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading are included in your tutors tailored  feedback.

Learning Goals:  Biochemistry 1 – (Animals and Humans) BSC103

• Identify characteristics of common chemical compounds important in animal and human biochemistry.
• Explain the characteristics of major biochemical groups, including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
• Explain the characteristics of chemicals which control biological processes in animals and humans, including enzymes and hormones.
• Explain the role of nucleic acids in the biology of animals and humans.
• Explain the role of thermo-regulation in animals and humans.
• Explain the role of carbohydrate metabolism in animals and humans.
• Identify the characteristics of acidity and alkalinity in relation to animals and humans.
• Develop simple chemical analysis skills relevant to testing animals.
• Identify applications and uses for biochemical processes and products.

Practicals:

• Explain the formulae of ten specified chemical compounds commonly found in animals and humans
• Calculate the percentages of elements contained in two specified chemical compounds
• Differentiate between characteristics of major groups of biochemicals including:
  • carbohydrates
  • proteins
  • amino acids
  • lipids
  • nucleic acids
• Identify differences between monosaccharides
• Differentiate between plant and animal/human biochemistry, with three examples of biochemical processes unique to eachand polysaccharides
• Differentiate between a fat and an oil
• Explain the characteristics of a specified protein formula
• Compare two fibrous proteins with two globular proteins
• Explain the functions of carbohydrates in animals/humans
• Explain two commercial applications for lipids in the learners chosen industry.
• Explain two commercial applications for proteins in the learner’s industry
• Explain two commercial applications for carbohydrates in the industry the learner’s industry
• Distinguish between an enzyme and a hormone
• Explain how one specific enzyme functions in an animal/human
• Explain how one specific hormone functions in an animal/human
• Explain the relevance of hormones to the learner’s chosen industry sector
• Explain the relevance of enzymes to the learner’s chosen industry sector
• Define relevant terminology, including:
  • nitrogenous base
  • double helix model
  • nucleotides
  • pentose sugars

• Explain the importance of RNA in animals/humans, including:
  • location in cells
  • Explain the importance of DNA in animals/humans
  • Describe the biological and chemical differences between RNA and DNA
  • Explain the role of ATP in providing energy for various cellular activities
  • Explain the mechanisms of body heat production in animals/humans
  • Describe the homeostatic processes which regulate body temperature
  • Explain the mechanisms of body heat loss in animals/humans
  • List the main biochemical processes involved in animal/human carbohydrate metabolism
  • Explain glycolysis, including the sequence of chemical reactions involved
  • Explain the Krebs cycle, including the sequence of chemical reactions involved
  • Explain the electron transport chain, including the sequence of chemical reactions involved
  • Explain differences in animal/human carbohydrate metabolism for a specified situation
  • Explain the processes occurring during the absorptive (fed) state
  • Explain the processes occurring during the post absorptive (fasting) state Describe three chemical buffering effects
  • Explain the role of pH in the control of respiration
  • Explain the importance and methods of pH control of human blood
  • Identify factors involved in controlling acidity and alkalinity in a specific case study
  • Compare a chemical test kits (eg. indicator strips) with chemical meters (eg. haemoglobin meter)
  • Explain the practical applications of various analytical techniques in industry
  • Determine the value of analytical techniques used in the learners industry sector
  • Differentiate between chemical toxicity and tolerance
  • Explain the implications of LD50 characteristics of five different chemical substances
  • Explain the implications of half-life characteristics of five different chemical substances
  • List the active toxins in ten poisonous plants or animals which commonly occur your locality
  • Explain the effects of two naturally occurring toxins on the human body
  • Explain the function and use of two different plants as medicines, for humans or animals
  • Determine three different applications for animal tissue culture

Student Testimonial  – See What They Think!

“I undertook this module last summer as I needed to cover the requirement to be accepted into a Biomedical Science Degree course.  I managed to complete the coursework and exam for Biochemistry I and III modules in just over two months(200h study time).

It was very intense mainly because of my deadline to be accepted into the university course. I guess it could been easier if I didn’t have to complete it within such short amount of time.

My tutor was great, I spoke to her from the start and explained I needed to work at a really fast pace. She cooperated and clarified my doubts whenever I needed it.

Overall I had a really good experience studying with ADL. When doing distance learning study, you really need to focus and be disciplined, but it is all worth it at the end.

I was accepted into my course, I’ve completed my first year and about to start the second one. Thank you ADL and my tutor Juliette Ivanova for your support.  –  Maria R, Biochemistry I, (Animals and Humans) and Biochemistry III (Biochemical Processes)”, UK

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Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

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Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

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Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

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Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

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A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.