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Xenobiotic Metabolism

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. 

Course Code: 
BCH 432
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 400
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Biochemistry

Biomembranes

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. 

Course Code: 
BCH 427
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 400
Course Semester: 
First Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Biochemistry

Biochemistry of Parasites

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.

Course Code: 
BCH 425
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 400
Course Semester: 
First Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Biochemistry

Food Biochemistry

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.

Course Code: 
BCH 431
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 400
Course Semester: 
First Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Biochemistry

Immunology and Immunochemistry

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.

Course Code: 
BCH 422
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 400
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Biochemistry

Methods in Tissue Culture

Students are taught how to manage the laboratory work areas and equipment such as laminar flow hoods, CO2 incubators, microscopes, preservations and storage vessels. The course also emphasises on important aspects of culture practices including tissue culture laboratory management and safety; the sterilisation: of tools, vessels and chemicals. The handling of cultures: cell, tissue, and organ, types of cells grown in culture, media preparation for plant and animal cultures, tissue culture, exchange of germplasms. Importance of tissue culture in agriculture and medicine will be discussed.

Course Code: 
BCH 412
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 400
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Biochemistry

Clinical Biochemistry

This course is concerned with the study of biochemical changes in human body under pathological conditions. It emphasises the biochemical basis of disorders such as acid / base imbalance and the abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, amino acids, nucleic acids, bile pigments, vitamins and hormones. Inherited disorders in metabolism, the role of enzyme levels in prognosis of biochemical dysfunctions are major component of the course. Quality Assurance in clinical laboratory, organ (Liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, GIT etc) tests, the meaning and interpretation of findings both traditional and functional will be discussed.

Course Code: 
BCH 407
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 400
Course Semester: 
First Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Biochemistry

Integration and Control of Metabolism

Lectures emphasize the controls of the metabolism of the cell as well as the integration of the various pathways associated with the energy metabolism of the cell. Substrate and enzyme limited reactions, general aspects of metabolic control and the concept of coarse and fine controls of metabolism will be some of the key areas of discussion. 

Course Code: 
BCH 405
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 400
Course Semester: 
First Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Biochemistry

Plant Biochemistry

The course covers the synthesis, storage and functional properties of the primary plant products. The focus is mainly on photosynthesis; the chloroplast structure, the light harvesting systems of Photosystem I & Photosystem II, cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphrylation for the synthesis of ATP and reducing equivalents, the fixation of carbon dioxide in the Calvin Benson cycle of Carbon-3 & Carbon-4 plants. Other topics include the role of RUBISCO in Calvin cycle, the regulation of sucrose and starch synthesis, the synthesis of structural molecules such as cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectins and lipids, glucose synthesis and its effect on glycolysis, Krebs cycle and gluconeogenesis in plant. Mineral and nitrogen metabolism will also be discussed.

Course Code: 
BCH 404
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 400
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Biochemistry

Research Methods for Biochemists

The course exposes students to the processes involved in the scientific method of investigation. There will be exercises in observational skills, making enquiries, formulation of hypotheses, and experimental designs in biological techniques, data acquisition, analysis and scientific presentation. Students will be taught how to do scientific presentations-oral and written. Students will be required to do literature review on specific topics and present them at seminars.

Course Code: 
BCH 399
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 300
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Biochemistry

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