The course is designed to present the organisation of insect systems and metabolic processes. Topics include biochemical molecules and processes specific to insects, such as nature of insect fuel: metabolism; synthesis, storage, mobilisation, transport and utilisation in flight. There will also be discussion on the biochemistry of exoskeleton and regulation of metamorphosis; insect hormones affecting growth and development; insecticides and their modes of action; insecticidal proteins, biopesticide and mechanisms of insecticide resistance. Current trends in the application of molecular tools for the detection of resistance development in insects and approaches to insect control will be examined.
The course introduces students to enzyme specificity, stereo- and geometric factors that contribute to enzyme catalysis; general acid-base catalysis and covalent catalysis. Catalysis by coenzymes; pyridoxal phosphate, thiamine pyrophosphate, ATP, coenzyme A, NAD(P)+ , FAD/FMN are also treated. These will be illustrated using the structure and mechanism of action of selected enzymes such as dehydrogenases, proteases, ribonuclease, lysozyme, and glycolytic enzymes such as phosphofructokinase (PFK).
The course exposes students to the philosophy and concept of entrepreneurship and the characteristics of an entrepreneur. Students will be introduced to how ideas can be transformed into business ventures with case studies. Students will also be taught how to source for funds and tap into available technologies.
The course provides students with the understanding in xenobiotic metabolism with emphasis on factors that affect xenobiotic metabolism: chemical reactivity, uptake, distribution, activation, conjugation, and excretion of xenobiotics. Metabolic enzymes: cytochrome P-450, microsomal flavin-containing monooxygenases, prostaglandin synthetase, reduction enzymes, epoxide hydrolase and conjugating enzymes are treated. Their role in metabolic activation of carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, teratogenesis, pulmonary, hepatic and renal disease will be examined.
The course provides an overview of the principal composition of membranes; lipids and proteins. Specific emphasis is on the use of models to teach the relationships between membrane structure, properties and function. Methods for formation and characterisation of liposomes and liposomes application will be discussed. The course also provides a survey of biochemical methods for preparing membranes, the physical and chemical characterisation of membrane structure and function, biogenesis of membranes and the role of membranes in receptor transport mechanisms.
The course offers an introduction to parasites in general, pathophysiology and tropical parasitic diseases such as malaria, trypanosomiasis, filariasis, schistosomiasis and gastrointestinal worm infestations. It also offers the understanding in the biochemistry of the causative agent in parasitic diseases with emphasis on host-parasite interrelationships. The course also discusses the key metabolic pathways of parasites or their host that can be exploited in the design of chemotherapeutic agents.
The course focuses on the biochemical characteristics and functions of plant pigments, carotenoids, xantophylls, flavonol and their derivatives in raw and processed foods. Emphasis is given to enzymes and their applications in food; non-enzymatic browning; the chemistry of carbohydrate, protein, lipid and vitamins. There is also hands-on experience with timely, practical projects on current trends in food biochemistry.
The course teaches the principles and theories of self and non-self defence systems of higher organisms. Topics include structure and function of immunoglobulin, antibody production and diversity, polyclonal antibody production, production of monoclonal antibodies, current methodology for the development vaccines, cell-mediated immunity; tolerance. Immunopathology: hypersensitivity, immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, mechanisms of tissue rejection in transplantation, interferon. Current developments in the methods of antigen-antibody characterization; western blotting and immunoassays for the detection and quantification of antigens and antibodies will be examined.