UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MICROBIOLOGY

MODULE TITLE:
BIOMOLECULES AND ENZYMOLOGY

MODULE CODE: SBCH 211

NQF Level: 6
Credit value: 8

Pre-requisite module(s): SCHM 121, SCHM122

PROGRAMME: BSc Biochemistry as double major

LECTURER(s): Dr. R.A Mosa and Dr. MA Kappo

Office 250, Natural Science Building
Email: mosaR@unizulu.ac.za
Tell: 035 902 6824

COURSE OUTLINE

2016
INTRODUCTION

All animals, plants and microorganisms are composed of small units known as cells. Different
tissues contain different types of cells which are distinguished not only by their different
structures but their different metabolic activities. Biochemistry is the study of the molecular
basis of life:

a) Chemical constituents of a living cell

b) The chemical reactions taking place in the cell and

c) The energies resulting from the chemical reactions.

In this module, we shall look at the first aspect i.e. we shall consider the interplay between the
three dimensional structure of biomolecules and their functions.
There are two types of biomolecules namely micro and macro molecules. Macromolecules by
nature have molecular mass in excess of 104 and they are more abundant than the micro
molecules.
Macromolecules include proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids; water is often added to
this list.

AIM:
This module aims to acquaint students with the structural chemistry of the components of
living matter and the relationship of biological function to chemical structure.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
Students should be able to generally describe and explain the biomolecules in terms of
Their structure
Their chemical and physical properties
Their functions
Their structure and function relationship
Students should also be able to generally describe and explain enzymes in terms of
Their names
The rate of catalysis
Factors that control enzymes actions

QUERIES
In case of any problem, students should feel free to contact the lecturer.

STUDY MATERIALS
Study Guide and lecture notes: available

Prescribed text books:

1. Garrett R.H. and Grisham C.M. Biochemistry 3rd, 4th Edition

2. Devlin, T.M..Textbook of Biochemistry with clinical correlations
3. Harvey A.R and Champe P.C. Lippincotts illustrated Biochemistry
4. Any textbook of Biochemistry

ASSESSMENTS

Criteria

1. A firm basis in understanding the courses outcomes is essential

2. The learner should be able to critically analyze and apply the courses outcome to relevant
case studies
3. The learner should be equipped with the necessary internet skills
4. The capacity and ability to assess and coordinate teamwork within a group is to be
established

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

1. Test 1 is 60 marks. The topic for the test will be from introduction to water and proteins
2. Test 2 is 60 marks. The topic for this test will be from carbohydrates and lipids
3. Test 3 is 60 marks. The topic for this test will be from nucleic acids and enzymes

Time allocation and important dates

 1. Test 1 will be on the last lecture period of the 4th week
2. Test 2 will be on the last lecture period of the 8th week
3. Test 3 will be on the last lecture period of the 12th week
4. Assignment to be handed in the last lecture period in week 9

COURSE CONTENT & WORK SCHEDULE:

UNIT1: Introduction to water

WEEK 1 & 2: Physical, chemical and biological properties and functions of water in living
systems
Solubility criteria; acids-bases concept, pH and buffer action; ionic strength
Quantitative analytical concepts in Biochemistry
UNIT 2: Biomolecules:
WEEK 3 & 4: Physical, chemical and biological properties and functions of proteins
WEEK 5: Physical, chemical and biological properties and functions of carbohydrates
WEEK 6 & 7: Physical, chemical and biological properties and functions of lipids
WEEK 8: Physical, chemical and biological properties and functions of nucleic acids
UNIT 3: Enzymes:
WEEK 9: General nature of enzymes, nomenclature and classification
Theory of catalysis, nature of active sites, cofactors and coenzymes
WEEK 10 & 11: Kinetics of enzyme reactions, inhibition of enzymes, and isoenzymes
WEEK 12: Immobilized enzymes, non-protein enzymes, and enzyme assays.
WEEK 13: REVISION

Teaching-learning methods:

1. Formal lectures
2. Tutorials
3. Practical classes
Types of delivery and estimated notional study hours:

Assessment 40% continuous assessment

60% final examination (3 Hours)
Assessment criteria Individual skills in writing and reference is expected
The learner should be able to critically analyse and apply the
course outcomes to relevant case studies
The ability to orally present a topic is needed.
DP requirements Completion of all assignments & active participation in all activities
Contact study Notional hours Self- study Notional hours
Lectures 40 Lecture related 39
Practical 25 Practical related 15
Assignment 10 Assignments 10
Tutorials 15 Revision 12
Guided Revision 5 Assessments 4
Total 85 Total 80

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated and may result in a zero for the assignment/test.