BIOCHEMISTRY

COURSE DESCRIPTION

BCH 201 General Biochemistry I

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concept of Biochemistry as a discipline. Foundational topics such as the definition and scope of Biochemistry, cell, acidity and alkalinity and the properties and biological functions of the major biomolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids) will be covered. This course is important for students of Biochemistry, other biological sciences, agricultural sciences and Chemistry.

BCH 202 General Biochemistry II

This course entails practical demonstrations of the basic knowledge of Biochemistry, general introduction of students to the operations and maintenances of laboratory equipment and apparatus before, during and after practical classes will be taught. Basic methodology of some biochemical principles will be introduced to students. This course also meets the need of students in other fields, as a course that provides hands-on training in the use of laboratory apparatus and equipment such as pH-meter, magnetic stirrer, and spectrophotometer as well as the basic preparation of common reagents in the laboratory such as buffer preparation. As a practical course, the focus is to impart useful skills on the students in order to enhance their basic knowledge of Biochemistry and prepare them for other specialised applications to be encountered at higher levels.

BCH 301 : Intermediary Metabolism

This course is very pivotal to Biochemistry. It is a course that describes all reactions concerned with the storage and generation of metabolic energy required for the biosynthesis of low-molecular weight compounds and energy storage compounds. The course outline includes Degradation and digestion of carbohydrates - sugars, storage polysaccharides and cell walls; Glycolysis, the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle (TCA), the Phosphogluconate pathway, the Pentose Phosphate pathway, the Glyoxylate pathway, the Cori cycle, the Calvin pathway; Gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis; Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism; Amino acids as building blocks of proteins, biological functions of proteins; Oxidative degradation of amino acids and metabolism of one carbon unit, biosynthesis of amino acids and some derivatives; The Urea cycle, metabolism of inorganic nitrogen and disorders of amino acid metabolism

BCH 302 Nutrition Biochemistry

This course is an exploratory one. It is the first course in nutritional biochemistry designed primarily for students in biochemistry and allied disciplines. However, it also meets the need of students in other fields, as a course that provides hands-on information and training, on everything concerning food. Topics to be covered include nutritive value of foods, its theory and application of physical, chemical methods of determining the constituents of food, nutritional disorders, nutritional status and food poisoning.

BCH 303 Protein Structure and Function

The diversity of thousands of proteins found in nature arises from the inherent properties of only 20 common amino acids. Protein Structure and Function (BCH 303) is a theoretical course which describes and explains how amino acids are suited to their roles as building blocks of proteins and provides answers to questions on how diversity of cellular activity is possible based on the characteristic properties of proteins which specifically tailor each protein to its biological role.

BCH 304 Immunochemistry

• This course is a theoretical one, aimed at explaining the biochemical reactions andcomponents of the immune system and how the body is able to protect itself against the entry of foreign substances (pathogenic or not). Topics to be covered includes innate immunity, adaptive immunity, comparative immunity, immune dysfunction and its consequences, basic cells and organs of the immune system, immunogenicity versus antigenicity, factors that influence immunogenicity; epitopes, haptens and the study of antigenicity, pattern- recognition receptors, structure and function of immunoglobulins, organization and expression of immunoglobulin genes,generation of antibody diversity, antibody genes and antibody engineering and Principles of Antigen – Antibody interactions

BCH 306 Methods in Biochemistry

This course is designed to expose the students to the basic principles underlying some biochemical methods and techniques, their methodologies and applications. These biochemical methods and techniques include; 1. Chromatography – (a) paper chromatography, (b) thin layer chromatography, (c) column chromatography (ion exchange and gel filtration), and (d) electrophoresis. 2. Spectroscopy and spectrophotometry – (a) infrared, (b) visible and ultraviolet absorption, (c) fluorescence, and (d) phosphorescence spectroscopy. 3. Centrifugation, ultracentrifugation and isotopic techniques. 4. Viscosity, diffusion, dielectric constant and osmometry. 5. Optical methods – (a) light scattering, (b) optical rotation, (c) dispersion and circular dichroism, (d) refraction, (e) electron microscopy, (f) x – ray diffraction, and (g) nuclear magnetic resonance.

BCH 308 Metabolism of Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are informational macromolecules involved in directing the metabolism of other biomolecules. The students already have background knowledge from BCH 201. This course will examine the structure, organization and functions of nucleic acids in detail with focus on nucleic acid metabolism. Students will be introduced to protein synthesis and some associated biochemical processes which will be covered in depth later on.

BCH 310 Metabolism of lipids

This course is an exploratory, first course in metabolism of lipids primarily for students in biochemistry. However, it also meets the need of students in other fields of Biochemistry. As a theoretical course, the focus is to impart useful knowledge on the students in order to enhance their understanding on the basic information needed in lipids Biochemistry and to prepare them for other specialised applications to be encountered at higher levels. Topics to be covered include Classification of lipids-fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, waxes, prostaglandin. Structure, function, biosynthesis and catabolism of different classes of lipids of fatty acids,cholesterol,triacylglycerols,phospholipids,glycolipids,sphingolipids,prostanglandis,terpenoids,steroids,hormones,fat soluble vitamins(A-retinol, D-cholecalciferol, E-α-Tocopherol and K-phylloquinone), Acetyl-coA as a central precursor for biosynthesis of lipids,composition, assembly and characteristics of membranes: membrane composition ,lipid micelles, monolayers, bilayers, lipoprotein: role of lipoprotein in the transport of triacylglycerol and cholesterol.

BCH 312 Enzymology

This course is an introductory and the first course in enzymology designed specifically for students in biochemistry. The course will cover a wide range of subjects such as vitamins and co-enzyme, classification of enzyme, mechanism and kinetics of enzyme catalyzed reaction. The final part will deal with the production, extraction, purification, characterisation and application of enzymes.

BCH 314 Biomembrane and Bioenergetics

BCH 314 is a theoretical course aimed at enlightening students on the structure-function relationship of biological membranes. The course outline includes membrane structure and function, role of membrane in cellular processes (signal transduction, solute transport, signaling, etc), plasma membrane - chemical composition, fluidity, dynamic nature (cell fusion and protein diffusion), membrane transport (diffusion, facilitated and active transport, energetics), membrane potential and nerve impulses, structure and function of endomembrane system (endoplasmic reticulum, golgi complex, endosomes, lysosomes, cellular uptake (phagocytosis and endocytosis), chemical thermodynamics, high-energy compounds, electron transport system and oxidative phosphorylation, regulation of ATP production, oxidations-reductions, chemical potentials and electrochemical potentials

BCH 316 General Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry

This course is made of practical laboratory exercises in different areas of biochemistry. Various methodologies such as chromatography, spectrophotometry, centrifugation and isotopic techniques will be carried out during the practical sessions

BCH 401 Advanced Enzymology

The course covers general and specialized topics in enzymology and specifically designed for biochemistry students. It is expected that students must have successfully undertake and passed BCH 312- Enzymology which serves as prerequisite before registering for the advanced enzymology. The earlier part of the course will deal with subjects such as steady state kinetics, Michealis – Menten equation and the transient kinetic methods. General topic in enzyme catalyzed reaction such as enzyme catalysis, mechanisms of action, binding energy, enzyme assay, stereochemistry, enzyme /substrate interaction, allosteric interactions and other regulatory enzyme will be adequately cover. The course will be concluded by introducing students to other practical and applied subject; molecular model of allosterism, enzyme reconstitution, criteria for determining purity of enzyme, genetic engineering, protein engineering and biotechnology.

BCH 403 Biochemical Toxicology

Toxicants abound in our environment especially in urban and highly industrialized zones. They are produced through human activities and natural phenomena. Toxicology is the branch of science that deals with the study of these toxic substances and their effects on living systems. It is a multidisciplinary field of study encompassing disciplines like Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Physiology, Epidemiology, etc. Biochemical toxicology examines toxic phenomena at the biochemical and molecular levels.

BCH 405 Plant Biochemistry

Pant Biochemistry is a course designed to introduce the students to biochemical processes that take place in plant such as plant metabolic processes, photosynthetic reactions, plant secondary metabolites and the metabolic pathways, plant hormones and the use of plant in traditional medicine. It also covers the identification and uses of plant secondary metabolites like alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins in the production of pharmaceuticals, food supplements and nutriceuticals. The roles of biochemist in traditional medicine will also be elucidated.

BCH 407BCH 407 Molecular Biology of the gene

BCH 407 is a build up on what the student has learnt in BCH 201 and BCH 308 and the course is for students of Biochemistry. Having understood the importance and metabolism of nucleic acids, students should now be ready to delve into some aspects of molecular genetics

BCH 409 Advanced Biochemical Methods

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with operations of latest biochemical equipment and with methods of assimilation and dissemination of information. Students will expose to laboratories housing specialized equipment.

BCH 411 Bioinorganic Chemistry

BCH 411 is a theoretical course aimed at enlightening students on the structure-function relationship of inorganic ions in living systems. The course outline includes roles of inorganic ions in living systems; hard and soft acids and bases, relationship between the physicochemical properties and biological functions of inorganic ions. Ligand complexes and their biochemical significance (e.g. myoglobin, hemoglobin, chlorophyll, cytochrome, etc), kinetics of myoglobin and hemoglobin oxygenation. The Bohr effect; electrolyte metabolism (biochemistry of iron, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, etc). Nitrogen fixation, sulphur cycle.

BCH 413 ELEMENTS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

The focus of this course is to impart knowledge on the students in order to enhance their understanding on the basic information in genetic engineering and biotechnology and to prepare them for specialised applications of gene engineering at higher levels. Topics to be covered include replication, transcription and translation a brief review. The genetic code and its relationship to cellular functions. DNA replication in a cell- free system (prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems). Gene organization . DNA sequencing. Genetic transformation, transduction and conjugation. Gene mutation, mutagenic agents and their applications to gene transfer. Gene mapping. Structure of eukaryotic genome. Hybridomas and use of monoclonal antibodies. Transposon mutagenesis, restriction enzyme mapping. Recombinant DNA and its application.

BCH 413 ELEMENTS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

The focus of this course is to impart knowledge on the students in order to enhance their understanding on the basic information in genetic engineering and biotechnology and to prepare them for specialised applications of gene engineering at higher levels. Topics to be covered include replication, transcription and translation a brief review. The genetic code and its relationship to cellular functions. DNA replication in a cell- free system (prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems). Gene organization . DNA sequencing. Genetic transformation, transduction and conjugation. Gene mutation, mutagenic agents and their applications to gene transfer. Gene mapping. Structure of eukaryotic genome. Hybridomas and use of monoclonal antibodies. Transposon mutagenesis, restriction enzyme mapping. Recombinant DNA and its application.

BCH 415 Biochemical Reasoning

This course entails the evaluation and design of experimental biochemistry from available information and data. It also include the analysis interpretation and inference drawing from biochemical research data

BCH 501 Title:Biochemical Reaction Mechanisms

This course highlights the mechanisms of biochemical reactions. It explains the basis of the activity of enzymes as biological catalysts. It is designed to explain the various ways in which enzymes act as catalysts such as their activity as proton donors/acceptors, catalysis based on their proximity to the substrate and the effect of conformation change on enzyme catalysis. The specificity of enzyme for particular substrates and why the rate of enzyme catalyzed reactions are accelerated many times over compared with the uncatalyzed counterparts will be examined. Useful skills will be imparted on different types of enzyme catalysis, enzyme models and the importance of metal ions and coenzymes in enzyme biochemistry.

BCH 502 Pharmacological Biochemistry

BCH 502 is an advanced theoretical course aimed at giving the biochemical basis of the pharmacology of foreign substances. It seeks to define the molecular events underlying the presentations that Physicians manage.The course outline includes biochemical aspects of host-parasite relationships, metabolic factors affecting chemotherapeutic agents, theories of the mechanism of drug action, drug resistance, the physiological and biochemical actions of selected drugs, and Nigerian traditional medicinal plants in the management and therapy of common ailments.

BCH 503 Biochemical Reaction Mechanisms

This course highlights the mechanisms of biochemical reactions. It explains the basis of the activity of enzymes as biological catalysts. It is designed to explain the various ways in which enzymes act as catalysts such as their activity as proton donors/acceptors, catalysis based on their proximity to the substrate and the effect of conformation change on enzyme catalysis. The specificity of enzyme for particular substrates and why the rate of enzyme catalyzed reactions are accelerated many times over compared with the uncatalyzed counterparts will be examined. Useful skills will be imparted on different types of enzyme catalysis, enzyme models and the importance of metal ions and coenzymes in enzyme biochemistry

BCH 504BCH 504 .Advanced Biotechnology

Biotechnology uses microorganisms and products to perform specific industrial processes and improve the quality of life. Advanced Biotechnology (BCH 504) is a theoretical course which builds on knowledge already acquired by students in Enzyme Biotechnology (BCH 505). It covers methods and applications of biotechnology, examines present and futuredevelopments in this area.This course provides an overview of microbial metabolism, biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites and examines in detail the different stages ofbiotechnological process. Students learn about fermentation products of microorganisms and their importance in food, health, agriculture and environment

BCH 505

This course entails understanding of the principles of industrial large scale production of enzymes (techniques in fermentations). Large-scale extraction and purification – a short review of microbial physiology and genetics. A review of general metabolic pathways, control and application in industrial processes. Secondary metabolism. Continuous culture methods: principles and applications. Industria fermentations (chemostat and its applications in industrial fermentation). Principles and design of immobilized- enzyme reactors. Characteristics of free versus immobilized enzymes. Immobilized coenzymes and cells. Enzyme utilization in industrial processes.

BCH 506 Process Biochemistry

This course is designed to expose the students to the basic concepts of anaerobic metabolism, isolation, cultivation and identification of anaerobes and the biochemical processes involved in manufacture of useful products by the microorganisms. The microbial production of beer, wine, bread, pharmaceutics and industrial chemicals will also be exposed. The mechanism and application of methanogenesis, as well as the present and future applications of biomass for energy and fuels will also be explored.

BCH 509 Biophysics

Molecular structures and biophysical properties of protein, nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), carbohydrates, lipids. Measurement of molecular properties in solution (diffusion, osmotic pressure, shape, size, etc). Interactions between biological molecules. Instrumental methods in biophysics – microscopy, spectroscopy, sedimentation. Mechanisms in biophysics (DNA replication, mutations, enzyme catalysis, membrane function, active transport, sensory function of the nervous system, initiation and propagation of the nerve impulse

BCH 510 Tissue Biochemistry

The main objective of the course is to make students understand the structures and biochemical mechanisms underlying the normal functioning of liver, kidney, muscles, nerves, blood, hormones and plasma protein. To achieve this objective, students are expected to attend 45 hour lecture period. By the end of the course, students will be able to • Describe the structure and metabolic function of the liver, kidney, muscle and central nervous system • Describe the blood and its cellular components • Describe the biochemical function of endocrine glands • Describe the structure of and types of muscle cells • Describe the structure of the nerve cells-axons, cell body and dendrite • Describe the synapses and the various types • Define neurotransmitters and the various types • Describe the neurotransmitters as component of impulse transmission • Describe reflect arc/the biochemical basis of transmission of impulses from the effector to the affector cells • Define and discuss the various classes of hormones with examples • Discuss the mechanism of action of a named steroid hormone • Discuss the mechanism of action of a named water soluble hormone • Discuss the various importance of hormones • Describe the biochemistry of vision .

BCH 511 Introductory Bioinformatics

This course is designed to expose students to the basic principles of bioinformatics and computational biology. An introduction to information networks and bioinformatic tools on the internet will also be covered in the course. Other new concepts such as phylogenesis, protein structure prediction and comparative genomics will also be taught in the course.