Undergraduate Courses
Courses offered at undergraduate level in the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology.
Courses offered at undergraduate level in the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology.
Credit Hours - 3
This comprehensive course on biochemical metabolism covers the intricate pathways of carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid processing in living organisms. In carbohydrate metabolism, students explore the digestion process, glycolysis, and the various fates of pyruvate across different organisms. The course delves into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, and the metabolism of non-glucose monosaccharides. It also covers anabolic processes like gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis, as well as unique pathways such as the Calvin-Benson cycle, Cori cycle, and glyoxylate cycle. Regulatory mechanisms and metabolic disorders related to carbohydrates are also discussed.
Lipid metabolism is examined in detail, starting with the digestion of triacylglycerols and the roles of various lipases. The course covers beta-oxidation of fatty acids, the fate of its products, and the synthesis of fatty acids, triacylglycerols, and cholesterol. Regulatory aspects of lipid metabolism are emphasized to understand the balance between catabolic and anabolic processes.
The section on amino acid metabolism begins with protein digestion and explores the fundamental processes of transamination, deamination, and decarboxylation. Students learn about the urea cycle, the fate of carbon skeletons, and the metabolism of specific amino acids, including aromatic and sulfur-containing variants. The synthesis of amino acids and inborn errors of metabolism are also covered, along with regulatory mechanisms.
The course concludes with a focus on bioenergetics, exploring the concepts of free energy in biochemical reactions, the role of ATP in metabolic processes, and various phosphorylation mechanisms (substrate-level, oxidative, and photo-phosphorylation). Students gain insights into energy coupling in metabolic reactions and the effects of uncoupling agents. This comprehensive approach provides a solid foundation in understanding the complex interplay of metabolic pathways and energy transformations in living systems.
Credit Hours - 2
This comprehensive course on Laboratory Management covers essential principles and practices for effective leadership in laboratory settings. It begins with organizational structures and leadership concepts, progressing through management functions and decision-making processes. The curriculum delves into Human Resource Management, addressing guidelines, job analysis, supervision, and professional development. Financial Management is explored, focusing on budgeting, cost/benefit analysis, and service justification. The Operations section covers laboratory design, equipment selection, workflow analysis, automation concepts, inventory control, and marketing strategies. Quality Assurance and Quality Control principles are emphasized, introducing students to quality management systems and international laboratory standards such as ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, and ISO 15189, as well as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Throughout the course, ethical considerations in laboratory management are integrated, ensuring students understand the importance of maintaining professional integrity. This holistic approach equips future laboratory managers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively oversee personnel, finances, operations, and quality in various laboratory environments, while adhering to ethical standards and regulatory requirements.
Credit Hours - 3
This advanced biochemistry course focuses on enzyme-catalyzed reactions and their practical applications, culminating in a hands-on mini-project. Students explore the kinetics of enzymatic reactions, examining how factors such as enzyme concentration, pH, temperature, substrate concentration, and the presence of activators or inhibitors affect reaction rates. The concept of enzyme specificity is thoroughly investigated. Practical exercises include studying protease activity in plant extracts and purifying enzymes from plant juice, providing real-world context to theoretical concepts. The course emphasizes the analytical applications of enzymes, such as the estimation of urea in urine. The highlight of the course is a mini-project where students isolate, purify, and characterize a known enzyme, offering a comprehensive, hands-on experience in enzyme biochemistry. This project integrates various techniques learned throughout the course, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a research-like setting. By combining theoretical understanding with practical skills, this course prepares students for advanced work in enzymology and biochemical research.
Credit Hours - 2
This comprehensive course equips you with the tools to understand, analyze, and interpret data effectively.
Course Structure:
By the end of this course, you'll be able to:
Credit Hours - 3
This comprehensive course explores the intricate world of nucleic acid metabolism and genetic information flow. It begins with an in-depth study of purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis, including their regulatory mechanisms, and extends to the structure and properties of nucleosides and nucleotides. The biosynthesis of deoxyribonucleotides and thymidylate is covered, along with salvage pathways. The course then delves into DNA and chromosome structure, examining the evidence for DNA as the carrier of genetic information and exploring its primary, secondary (A, B, and Z forms), and tertiary structures. Students learn about the elucidation of DNA structure, including the Watson and Crick double helix model, and the structural differences between RNA and DNA. DNA sequencing methods and chromosomal organization, including nucleosome structure, are also addressed. The mechanism of DNA replication in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes is thoroughly explored, covering the evidence for semi-conservative replication, DNA replicating enzymes, and the directionality of replication. Finally, the course examines transcription mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the features of transcription units, characteristics of different RNA types, RNA modification and processing, and the phenomenon of reverse transcription. This comprehensive approach provides students with a solid foundation in molecular genetics and biochemistry.
Credit Hours - 3
This comprehensive course delves into the fascinating world of aromatic compounds, a class of organic molecules renowned for their unique stability and diverse applications.
Credit Hours - 2
This comprehensive course explores the fascinating world of viruses, the enigmatic infectious agents that blur the line between living and non-living entities. We'll examine their classification, structure, replication, and interaction with host cells, equipping you to understand these pervasive pathogens.
Credit Hours - 2
This comprehensive industrial microbiology course explores how microorganisms revolutionize industries like food production and environmental cleanup. We'll examine the importance of these tiny powerhouses and the specific microbes used in various applications. Techniques for optimizing large-scale fermentation processes, including media formulation and strain improvement, will be covered. The course then delves into preventing microbial contamination through regulatory measures and quality control. We'll explore the unique biology of molds, yeasts, and bacteria used in industry, alongside techniques for culturing and manipulating them for large-scale product generation. Finally, the course surveys the diverse applications of industrial microbiology, from producing pharmaceuticals and food to bioremediation, equipping you with a deep understanding of this transformative field.
Credit Hours - 2
This course continues the exploration of cell biology, with a focus on cellular communication, structural dynamics, protein synthesis, and the study of cells as organisms. Key topics include:
Cell Surface and Communication:
Cytoskeleton, Motility, and Shape:
Protein Synthesis and Processing:
Cells as Organisms:
Credit Hours - 2
This hands-on course provides practical experience in enzyme-catalyzed reactions, enzyme kinetics, and the use of enzymes in analytical applications, along with a mini project focused on enzyme isolation and characterization. Key components include:
Enzyme-Catalyzed Reactions:
Mini Project:
Credit Hours - 2
This course provides a thorough understanding of the mechanisms governing metabolic pathways and their regulation, focusing on both fine and coarse control mechanisms, and the integration of metabolism across different tissues and physiological states. Key topics include:
Metabolic Control:
Regulation of Fuel Metabolism:
Integration of Metabolism:
Credit Hours - 3
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the principles of bioenergetics, thermodynamics, and membrane biology, with a focus on the energetic processes within cells and the structure and function of biological membranes.
Overview of Chemical Thermodynamics:
Principles of Thermodynamics in Cellular Energetics:
High Energy Compounds:
ATP Synthesis and Utilization:
Membrane Structure and Function:
Membrane Models and Properties:
Membrane Preparation and Study:
Membrane Transport:
Credit Hours - 3
This course provides an in-depth study of protein structure and function, focusing on the primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary levels, as well as protein-ligand interactions, allostery, and enzyme catalysis. Key topics include:
Primary Structure:
Secondary Structure:
Tertiary Structure:
Quaternary Structure:
Protein-Ligand Interactions:
Allostery:
Mechanism of Enzyme Catalysis:
Physical Forces:
Credit Hours - 2
This course focuses on the mechanisms, stereochemistry, and synthetic applications of reactions involving carbanions or potential carbanions with various carbonyl compounds. Key topics include:
Mechanisms:
Stereochemistry:
Synthetic Applications:
Credit Hours - 2
This course explores the kinetic and stereochemical aspects of molecular rearrangement reactions, with a focus on the influence of neighboring groups. It covers rearrangements involving the migration of groups to both electron-deficient sites (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen) and electron-rich sites (carbon). Key topics include:
Kinetic Considerations:
Stereochemical Considerations:
Types of Rearrangement Reactions:
Examples and Applications: