BICH 104 Biochemistry I

Biochemistry I is an introduction to biochemistry. It is designed both for students who wish to progress in the course and for people who would like to understand more about how living things work. The course has three components: an overview of the types of molecules found in cells, an introduction to the ways in which cells get energy from photosynthesis and from food molecules (which will be illustrated by considering the breakdown of sugars) and finally how new life can develop from the genetic material stored in each cell’s DNA and exploration of key molecular tools that we can use that exploit the ‘technology’ within cells. The theoretical material is accompanied by weekly practical sessions which illustrate the concepts and develop some of the skills of a practicing biochemist and molecular biologist.

Because biochemistry is about the interactions of molecules, some chemical structures will need to be learnt. The emphasis will, however, be on the principles of biochemistry.