CH1010 - Biological Chemistry for Dentistry

Credit points:	03
Year:	2012
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Pharmacy & Molecular Sciences

<b>General Chemistry revision</b> Acid/base and organic functional group chemistry. <b>Natural Product Chemistry</b> Extraction, chromatography, analysis, spectroscopy; terpenes, steroids, alkaloids, drug discovery. <b>Bio-organic Chemistry</b> Structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins and DNA; <b>Disperse systems</b> macromolecular colloids, emulsions. <b>Bio-inorganic Chemistry</b> Coordination complexes. Hemoglobin, metalloenzymes. <b>Dental chemistry</b> Enamel : mineralisation / re-mineralisation / fluoride, caries and carbohydrates, salivary proteins. <b>Enzymatic Chemistry</b> The function of enzymes, inhibitors, cofactors, coenzymes and vitamins. <b>Lipids and Membranes</b> Fatty acids, complex lipids, lipid proteins, steroids, fluid mosaic membrane. Passive/active transport. <b>Bioenergetics</b> Catabolic and anabolic reactions. The metabolic role of ATP. Fatty acid synthesis. Glucogenesis. Glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. <b>Electron Transport</b> Oxidative phosphorylation. Shuttles. <b>DNA Processes</b> Replication, transcription and translation. Recombinant DNA and PCR. DNA microarrays. Oncogenes, Cancer drugs. Gene regulation. Signal transduction.

Learning Outcomes

• to cover the fundaments of natural product chemistry and biochemistry / molecular biology with special emphasis given to areas applicable to dentistry. biochemical topics covered include structure, function and metabolism (energetic pathways and regulation) of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids;
• develop a clear understanding of the classification systems used for small organic and large macromolecules and become conversant with how drugs are designed and characterized;
• develop practical experience in methods of molecular purification and characterisation;
• discover how functional proteins such as receptors (signal transduction), enzymes and transporters, represent a major target for the action of pharmaceutical drug agents;
• become familiar with clinical correlates to the above such as demineralization / remineralization / fluorosis of enamel (Caries), blood clotting disorders, nutritional disorders, molecular basis of cancer, diseases of lipid metabolism/ transport.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to access and employ online technologies effectively.

Prerequisites:	SENIOR CHEMISTRY OR CH1020 AND SENIOR MATHSB OR MA1020
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	CH2010

Availabilities
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2012
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Michael Liddell.
Contact hours:	36 hours lectures 10 hours tutorials 30 hours practicals 10 hours - LearnJCU modules.
Assessment:	end of semester exam (42%); quizzes or tests (38%); marks for practical exercises (20%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Practical component: students will fail the course if they miss 3 or more practicals without a valid reason (generally medical certificates will be required).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.