Uniben Medical Biochemistry Undergraduate Syllabus

Biochemistry is that biological science that enquires into the chemical constitution of living things and the reaction that takes place in the cell. It deals with the role of chemical processes in the maintenance of the constancy of the whole organism. It furnishes the basic knowledge necessary for work in both molecular and the cellular aspects of modern Biology. Medical Biochemistry therefore tries to understand and solve health problems with the tools of modern Biochemistry.

  

KEY

* - Core courses

+ - mandatory courses

e – elective courses

100L FIRST SEMESTER

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	COURSE CREDIT
CHM 111	General Chemistry I	3
CHM 113	Organic Chemistry I	3
PHY  111	Mechanics, Thermal Physics & Properties of Matter	3
PHY 113	Vibrations, Waves & Optics	3
PBB 111	Diversity of Plants	3
AEB 111	Introductory Zoology	4
GST 111	Use of English I	2
GST 112	Philosophy & Logic	2
BMS 111	Elementary Mathematics 1	2
TOTAL		25

100L SECOND SEMESTER

CHM 122	General Chemistry II	3
CHM 124	Organic Chemistry II	3
PHY 109	Practical Physics	2
PHY 124	Electromagnetic   &     Modern Physics	4
PBB 122	Plant form & Function	3
AEB 122	Functional Zoology	4
GST 121	Use of English II	2
GST 122	Nigerian People & Culture	2
GST 123	History & Philosophy of Science	2
TOTAL		25

200L FIRST SEMESTER

Course Code	Course Description	Course Credit
ANT 210	General Anatomy and Gross Anatomy of the upper Limbs.	2
ANT 211	Gross Anatomy of Thorax	2
ANT 212	Basic Histology & Cytology	2
ANT 213	General Embryology	2
MBC 210	Introductory Biochemistry	2
MBC 211	Introductory Analytical Techniques	2
PHS 211	Introductory and General Physiology	2
PHS 212	Blood and Fluid Physiology	2
PHS 212	Cardiovascular System	2
PHS 214	Respiratory Physiology	2
TOTAL		20

200L SECOND SEMESTER

Course  Code	Course Description	Course Credit
ANT 220	Gross Anatomy of the Abdomen, Pelvis and Perineum	2
ANT 221	Gross Anatomy of the Lower Limbs	2
ANT 222	Systemic Histology I	3
ANT 223	Systemic Embryology I	3
MBC 220	Carbohydrate & Lipid Metabolism	3
MBC 223	Amino acid & Protein Metabolism	3
MBC 225	Protein Chemistry & Enzymology	3
PHS   221	Renal Physiology.	2
PHS   222	Gastrointestinal Physiology	3
PHS   223	Endocrinology & Reproduction	2
PHS   224	Temperature Regulation.	1
TOTAL		27

300L FIRST SEMESTER

Course Code	Course Description	Course Credit
+BOT 315	Biostatistics	2
+MBC 311	Immunology & Immunochemistry	3
+MBC 312	Intermediary Metabolism	2
+MBC 313	Bioenergetics	2
*CED 300	Introduction to Theory and Practice of Entrepreneurship	2
TOTAL		11

300L SECOND SEMESTER

Course Code	Course Description	Course Credit
*MBC 320	Clinical Biochemistry	3
*MBC 321	Microbial Physiology & Biochemistry.	3
*MBC 322	Introductory Molecular Biology	3
*MBC 325	Techniques in Biochemical Research	2
*MBC 327	Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)	2
*MBC 329	Introduction to Biochemical Literature	2
+PHS 321	Animal Experiment & Design of Experiment	2
+BOT 315	Biostatistics	2
+MMB 321	Introductory Micriobiology	1
+PCO 320	Introductory Pharmacology	2
TOTAL		22

400L FIRST SEMESTER

Course Code	Course Description	Course Credit
*MBC 410	Regulatory Mechanisms	2
*MBC 411	Advanced Enzymology	3
*MBC 412	Tissue Biochemistry	3
eMBC 413	Biochemistry of Medicinal Plants	2
eMBC 414	Nutrition & food Science	3
+MBC 415	Biochemistry of Hormones	2
+MBC 417	Biomembranes	2
+MBC 418	Seminar	2
TOTAL		19

400L SECOND SEMESTER

Course Code	Course Description	Course Credit
*MBC   420	Clinical & forensic Biochemistry	3
*MBC   421	Biochemical Pharmacology	2
*MBC   422	Advanced Molecular Biochemistry	3
eMBC   423	Inorganic Biochemistry	2
+MBC   425	Introduction to Biotechnology	2
eMBC   426	Biochemistry of Parasites & Viruses	3
*MBC   499	Project	6
TOTAL		21

A SUMMARY OF THE CREDIT LOAD FOR THE PROGRAMME

LEVEL	100	200	300	400	TOTAL
	50	47	30	40	167

 100L FIRST SEMESTER

 PBB 111       DIVERSITY OF PLANTS (3 Credits)

Morphology and life circle of plant and animals. A general study of plant and animal groups from virus, algae/fungi to chordates. Structural and functional study of plants and animal cells, tissues, organs and systems.  Taxonomic, physiological and developmental studies of plant and animals. Reproduction, genetic, hereditary substances, mechanism of nuclear division and stem cell formation. Evolution and natural selection. Biology practical and demonstrations.

AEB 111: INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY (4 Credits)

Man population growth and impact on the biosphere. Faunal biodiversity. Invertebrate – protozoa, coelenterate, platyhelminthes, annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda. Vertebrata – Cephalochordata, pisces, amphibian, reptilia, aves, mammalia. Mammalian anatomy: anatomy of rattus rattus.

PHY 111 MECHANICS, THERMAL PHYSICS AND PROPERTIES OF MATTER (3 Credits)

Dimensional analysis. Element of statistics.  Vector algebra, kinematics and dynamics of a mass point.  Elementary mechanics and gracitation.  Kepler’s laws. Motion of rigid bodies, moment of inertia, angular momentum.  Conservation of laws. Simple harmonic motion. Elastic properties of solids, module of elasticity. Fluid dynamics and hydrodynamics. Laws of thermodynamics and thermal energy, temperature, calorimetry, change of State, critical points. Heat transfer, conduction, convection and radiation. Black body radiation. Gas laws. Kinetic theory of gases. Physics practical and demonstrations.

PHY 113 VIBRATIONS, WAVES AND OPTICS (3 Credits)

Electristatucs, ciykinv’s laws Gauss’ law and simple application. Electric field energy and electrostatic potentials. Capacitance, Conductors insulators, dielectrics and polarization.  Electric current. Ohm’s law.  Circuit analysis. Thermo electricity. Magnetic effects of currents. Ampere’s law application. Magnetism. Earth’s magnetic field. Arady’s law of induction. Alternating current. AC circuits–measuring derives. Hall’s effect. Optics – basic principle and applications. Eye, Lenses and glasses as applied to common eye defects. Physics practical and demonstration.

CHM 111 GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1 (3 Credits)

An introduction to atomic structure and electronic configuration of the elements.  Electronic theory of valiancy. The periodic classification and the general study of the elements with emphasis on similarities and differences based on position in the periodic table. Radioactivity and its application kinetic theory and laws of gases. Properties of dilute solutions. Thermo-chemistry. Chemical equilibrium. Theory of acids, bases and indicators. Phase equilibrium study and multicopnent systems and application in partition and absorption chromatography.

Chemistry practical and demonstration.

CHM  113 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I (3 Credits)

Introduction to organic chemistry.  IUPAC nomenclature, elemental analysis and molecular formulae. Structural isomerism. Isolation and purification methods.  The concept of functional growth, resonance and aromaticity. A study of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, syslic hydrocarbons, alcohols, alkythalides, others, aldehydes, comparison of phenols, alkythalides and aromatic amines with their aliphatic analogues. Common synthetic polymers and their uses. Introduction to carbohydrates, proteins, oils, and fats. Optical isomerism.

Chemistry practical and demonstration.

BMS 111 ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS 1 (2 Credits)

Polynomials and their factorization, rational function. Trigonometry definitions and elementary properties of trigonometric function, radian measure, periodicity of identities. Formulas for sum, product and quotient. The chain rule. Differentiation of definite and indefinite algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions maxims and minima, tangential and normal. Fundamental theory of calculus, simple application to areas and volumes, Methods of integration.

  

GST 111 USE OF ENGLISH 1 (2 Credits)

Modes and methods of effective communication in English.  Use of literary works to improve communication skills.  Development of reading and writing skills. Note taking and summarizing from oral English and written instructions on lexis. Collection for written assignments.

  

GST 112 PHILOSOPHY AND LOGIC (2 Credits)

Introduction to the main branches of philosophy, symbolic logic.  Special symbol in symbolic logic.  Conjugation, negation, affirmation, disjunction, equivalence and conditional statements. Law of thought. Method of deduction using rules of inference and biconditional qualification theory.

100L SECOND SEMESTER

CHM 122 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (3 Credits)

Acids, Bases and salts.  Quantitative and qualitative analysis. Theory of volumetric analysis-operations and methods. Calculations: mole, molarity, molality. Behavior of electrolytes. Water. Colligative properties. Ostwald’s dilution law. Arthenius, Bronsted-Lowry, lewis concepts and applications.  Buffers – introduction to reaction rates. Equilibria and equilibrium constants. Solubility products. Common effects. Precipitation reactions, Chemistry of Redox reactions.

CHM 124 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II (3 Credits)

 Polar function group chemistry. Hydroxyl group carbonyl group, carboxylic group Carboxylic acid derivatives and amino acids. Miscellanceous topics – fats and oils, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and natural products.

PHY 109   PRACTICAL PHYSICS (2 Credits)

Students are expected to carry out a minimum of 12 major experiments covering the main aspects of the courses taken in the year.

PHY 124 ELECTROMAGNETIC AND MODERN PHYSICS (4 Credits)

Electromagnetism – electric field, steady direct current, Kirchhoffs laws, capacitors, Electromagnetic fields, alternating currents, magnetic fields Electromagnetic induction, and electricity and matter. Modern physics – structure of atom and structure of the nucleus.

BOT 122 PLANT FORM AND FUNCTION (3 Credits)

The general morphology, anatomy, histology and physiology of flowering plants, seed structure, dispersal and germination: development of primary and secondary plant body; water relations; photosynthesis, translocation, and storage organs, respiration.

AEB 122 FUNCTIONAL ZOOLOGY (4 Credits)

Embryology–gametogenesis, fertilization and cleavage as demonstrated by Amphioxus, Genetics: the cell and distribution of genetic material, mitosis, meiosis, meiosis inheritance, sex determination and sex linked inheritance.  Histology. Cells, tissues, organ formation and main features. Physiology: functioning of mammalian skin, muscles/skeleton, alimentary system/nutritional requirements and deficiencies.

GST 122 NIGERIAN PEOPLE AND CULTURE (2 Credits)

History, norms and cultural characteristics of African and the Nigerian society in particular, role of culture in the behaviors of Nigerian. The African society, development, migration, large and small rural movements and its effect on man and disease, the Nigerian rural and urban societies and diseases. Changing patterns of diseases in rural and urban societies. Changing moral values. Cultural nationalism and political evolution of African states. concepts of religion in humanistic functions. Role and concepts of functional education in national development.

200L FIRST SEMESTER

MBC 210: INTRODUCTORY BIOCHEMISTRY (2Credits)

Short history and Definition of Biochemistry. Importance of Biochemistry to medicine and other scientific disciplines. The living cell. Organization and Molecular architecture. Types of cell and their characteristics. Structure and organization of Biological membranes. Biomolecules and the origin of life. Chemistry of Biomolecules. Carbohydrates Classification, structure distribution and functional role of named examples. Chemical properties and reactions. Essential fatty acids, Eicosanoids fat-soluble vitamins – Structure and functions. Peptide bonds and hierarchy of protein structure Nucleic acids. RNA and DNA Structure/function of enzymes. Zymogens Active site and specificity of enzymes. Inhibition and Activation of enzymes. Factors affecting enzyme catalyses reaction.Allosteric enzymes. Isoenzymes. The Concepts of Avitaminoses, Hypovitaminoses and Antivitamins. Vitamins and their Co-enzyme function. Biomedical importance of vitamins.

MBC 211:  INTRODUCTORY ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES (2Credits)

Measuring techniques in cell fractionation, Chromatography, Spectrophotometry, Electrophoresis and Calorimetry.Methods of studying the cell. Microscopy, histochemistry and cytochemistry. Autoradiography vs. Scintillation counting. Cell fractionation methods including differential Centrifugation and Gradient centrifugation. Molecular hybridization including Paul Doty experiments. Acids, and bases. Buffers and buffer systems. Henderson Hassel bach equation. Titration curves of acids and bases. End point indicatiors. zwitterions. isoelectric pH nucleic acid.

 ANT 210:  GENERAL ANATOMY AND GROSS ANATOMY OF THE UPPER LIMBS (2 Credits)

The general descriptive terms as used in the study of the human body would be introduced. The techniques used to study the human body would also be introduced. The normal anatomical position and directional movement of body parts would be introduced.  The gross anatomy of the upper limbs: pectoral region, Axilla, Brachial plexus, scapular region, brachium, Antebrachial fossa and its Anastomosis, carpal tunnel, Hand, Nerve injuries, osteology and joint of the upper limb, the vascular anastomosis and lymphatic drainage of the breast and upper limb would be studied.

ANT 211:  GROSS ANATOMY OF THORAX (2 Credits)

Description: for the thorax: The sternum and ribs, thoracic vertebrae, Heart and great vessels, thoracic duct, dissection of the entire thoracic region, Azygos system of vein, intercostals spaces, Mediastinum, lungs bronchiopulmonary tree and segments thoracic diaphragm, Aorta and respiratory movement.

ANT 212:  BASIC HISTOLOGY AND CYTOLOGY (2 Credits) Description:  Structure and the function of the cell, general histology and basic tissues of the body. Preparation of tissues for microscopy, is a practical oriented course that is studied alongside with the theoretically based lecture. 

ANT 213:  GENERAL EMBRYOLOGY (2 Credits)

General consideration of the male and female Reproductive organs. Gametogenesis, fertilization, implantation, cleavage, the morula, the blastocyst formation of the primitive streak, the Bilaminar and trilaminar germ disc. Development of tissues and organ systems of the embryo, the chorionic and amniotic cavities, foetal membranes, placental formation and functions. The molecular regulation in differentiation of tissues and organs and in the establishment and patterning of the body axis. Birth defects, chromosomal and genetic factors. Twins and twin defects, general characteristics of the embryonic environment and foetal periods.

PHS 211:  INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY (2 Credits)

Cell physiology, Physiochemical principles, Body fluids and Blood transport: Control systems. Introduction to ANS. Excitable and contractile Cells.

PHS 212: BLOOD AND BODY FLUID PHYSIOLOGY (2 Credits) Introduction and definition of body fluids and body fluid compartments. Regulation of body fluid volumes Physiological variation of body fluid volumes. Techniques for quantifying various body fluid volumes. Blood: Functions of blood and classifications of blood cells. Erythropoiesis. Haematological indices. Haemoglobin genotype and Blood groups. Immunology and cell defence.

PHS 213: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM (2 Credits)

Definition and functions of the cardiovascular system, Cardiac muscle Cardiac myoelectrophysiology, cardiac cycle, Circulation of blood: cardiac output and regulation. Blood pressure. Haemodynamics and microcirculation. Pulmonary, Cerebral, Coronary, Splanchnic and muscle circulation, Shock and cardiovascular changes in exercise. 

PHS 214:  RESPIRATORY SYSTEM (2 Credits)

Definition and functions of the respiratory system, Physiologic anatomy of the respiratory system. Respiratory dynamics and work. Pulmonary ventilation: Lung volumes and capacities, spirometry. Mechanism and mechanics of breathing, Lung surfactant, pulmonary circulation. Gas exchange and Gas transport. Oxygen Haemoglobin dissociation curve. Hypoxia and Dyspnoea. Respiratory changes in exercise and barometric changes. Control of breathing.

200L SECOND SEMESTER

ANT 220: GROSS ANATOMY OF THE ABDOMEN, PELVIS AND PERINEUM (2 Credits)

Abdomen: subdivision of the abdominal region and their applied anatomy, Anterior Abdominal wall, inguinal region, posterior abdominal wall, stomach, spleen, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, small and large intestine, celiac trunk, biliary apparatus, intra and supra colic compartment and recesses, appendix renal and suprarenal gland, dissection of the entire abdominal region for proper understanding of the entire region. Pelvis & perineum: pelvic cavity wall and diaphragm. Pelvic visceral like the urinary bladder, uterus, testes, ovary, etc). Perineum, boundaries and subdivisions. Perineal pouches, external and internal genitalia, ischiorectal fossas. General dissection of the pelvis and perineum region.

  

ANT 221:  GROSS ANATOMY OF THE LOWER LIMBS  (2 Credits)

The lower limb lumbar and lumbosacral plexus, femoral triangle, thigh, gluteal region, leg, foot, nerves injury and their applied anatomy of lower limb popliteal fossa, Genual and ankle joints, Arch of the foot, Osteology and joins of the lower limb. Vascular Anastomosis and lymphatic drainage of the lower limb. The theoretical aspect to go along side with the dissection of these regions in cadaver.

ANT 222:  SYSTEMIC HISTOLOGY I (3 Credits)

Systemic histology of CVS, GIT, musculo skeletal.

ANT 223:  SYSTEMIC EMBRYOLOGY (3 Credits)

The diaphragm, the cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Development of the adrenal gland, the liver, the pancreas and the spleen. The urogenital, musculoskeletel and integumentary system. The limbs, the molecular regulation and associated developmental anomalies of the systems.

PHS 221:  RENAL PHYSIOLOGY (2 Credits)                         

Definition and functions of the kidney. Physiologic anatomy of the kidney. Glomerular filtration. Tubular functions. Urine formation:- Dilute and concentrated Urine, Counter current mechanism, Plasma   clearance, renal auto regulation, ECF regulation, Acid Base balance, Renin-Angiotensin system.  

 

PHS 222: GASTROINTESTINAL PHYSIOLOGY (3 Credits)

Definition and functions, Physiologic anatomy and Innervations of the GIT, Mastication, Deglutition, Salivary gland, Digestion and food absorption, Movement and Stomach emptying, Movements of the GIT, Vomiting and defecation, GIT secretions and juices,

Liver and General metabolism (BMR)

PHS 223: ENDOCRINOLOGY AND REPRODUCTION (2 Credit)

Definition and functions, Definition of Hormones, Methods of Measurement, Types and mechanisms of Action, Regulation, Physiologic anatomy, Hypothalamus-Hypothalamic releasing factors, Hypothalamic Nuclei, Hypothalamo-hypophyseal system, Pituitary gland, Tropic Hormones, GIT and other local hormones. Structure and functions of male and female reproductive organs, Androgens, Spermatogenesis and fertility. Infertility in male. Oogenesis, Sexual cycle and hormonal regulations. Fertilization, Pregnancy and Parturition, Fertility and infertility in female. Family planning 

PHS 224 TEMPERATURE REGULATION (1 Credit)

Body temperature and the environment, Mechanisms of heat Exchange, peripheral thermoreceptors, central thermoreceptors, hyperthermia, and hypothermia, Fever, heat Exhaustion and Heat stroke.

  

MBC 220:  CARBOHYDRATE AND LIPID METABOLISM (3 credits)

Structural inter-relationships of sugars. Stereochemistry of sugars. Hexoses, Pentoses, Disaccharides, Starch, Glycogen, and Polysaccharides. Methods of identifying sugars.Carbohydrate metabolism. Digestion and absorption. Glycolysis. TCA Cycle and Pentose Phosphate pathway. Control of Glycolysis. TCA Cycle and Pentose Phosphate pathway.  Glyoxylate Pathway. Gluconeogenesis. Glyoxylate Pathway. Gluconeogenesis. Glycogenolysis and Glycogenesis.Mitochondrail electron transport chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation. Energy generation and storage in Biological systems.

Disorders of Carbohydrate Metabolism. The pyruvate and α – Ketoglutarate complexes and their regulation. Metabolism of lipids. Digestion and absorption. Role of Lipoproteins in lipid transport. Metabolism of lipoprotein in health and disease. Triacylglycerol oxidation and oxidation of fatty acids. Storage and mobilization of energy stores in adipocytes. Ketone bodies and Ketosis. Interrelationship of fatty acid and carbohydrate biosynthesis/oxidation. Biological importance of Eicosanoids. glycolipids and sphingolipids. The Chemistry and metabolism of

Steroids and Steroid hormones 

MBC 223:  AMINO ACID AND PROTEIN METABOLISM (3 credits)

Structure of amino acids. Peptide bonds. Metabolism and transport of amino acids and proteins. Digestion and absorption. Gammaglutamyl cycle. Detailed treatment of mechanism of deamination, transamination glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamate and glutamine synthesis. The biochemical and clinical importance of these enzymes. Fate of Carbon skeleton. Urea cycle. The concepts of nitrogen balance. Nitrogen turnover in cells. Degradation of amino acids. Ketogenic and glucogenic amino acids. Aromatic acid degradation and inborn errors of metabolism, metabolism of uric acid Integration and Compartmentation in intermediary metabolism. Metabolism of one carbon compounds.  

MBC 225:  PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND ENZYMOLOGY (3credits) A review of the Structural Characteristic of proteins. Determination of N and C terminal amino acid. Amino acid sequence and sulphide bridges. Determination of Protein Structure by X- Crystallograaphy. biological functions of proteins. The oxygen transporting proteins (haemoglobin and myoglobin) connective tissue protein. Collagen and elastin. Structure /function relationships. Enzymes. Isolation and Purification from animals and plants. And Microorganism. Zymogens and Isoenzymes. Characteristics of Enzymes. Kinectics of enzyme catalysed reaction. Allosterism. Importance of enzymology in Medicine. Coenzymes and relationships to vitamins.

300L FIRST SEMESTER

MBC 301:  NUTRITION AND DIETETICS (2 Credits)

Nutritional Biochemistry, Principles of nutrition. Food pyramid. Nutritional requirements in a varied populace. Biochemistry of Vitamins and Minerals. Vitamins and minerals in clinical practice. Nutritional disorders and assessments. Nutritional constituents of local foodstuff. The use of local foodstuffs in the management of diseases.

MBC 311: IMMUNOLOGY &IMMUNOCHEMISTRY (3 Credits)

Concepts and types of immunity. The immune system. Immune response. Requirements of immuniogenicity.Antibody-Antigen reactions. The role of macrophages and polymorphonulear leucocytes in immune response.Phagocytosis and the immune response.Factos affecting the immune response. Antibody-types, characteristics and structure.J-chain and secretory component. The complement system and its role. Immunological tolerance and autoimmune diseases.Immunological laboratory methods.Hypersnesitivity an allergy.Histocompactibility complex(MHC).Heamaglutination and blood group serology.

Monoclonal antibodies. Immunopathology.

BOT 315 BIOSTATISTICS (2 credits)

Population and Samples, probability distribution, Normal poison and Binomial distribution, Mean standard error standard deviation, Cub fitting, CHI-TEST. Student test f-distribution,

Regression, correlation.  Role of macro and micronutrient elements iron deficiency symptoms. (2 lectures, /practical per week.)

CED 300   INTRODUCTION TO THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP 

You as an Entrepreneur, Getting started. Selecting the legal forms of business. Discovering Business Opportunities. The legal framework for the Entrepreneur. Government policies and Entrepreneurial activities, Ethical Issues in business, financing a new venture.  Sources marketing your product and services Employing people, Establishing and maintaining Accounting Records.  Budgeting for Control.

MBC 312:  INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM (2 Credits)

Integration of Metabolism. The provision of metabolic fuels. Metabolic fuels in the fed and starving states. Metabolic interrelationships between adipose tissue, liver, extra hepatic tissues and muscle. The role of hormones in intermediary metabolism. Regulation of metabolism in adipose tissue.

MBC 313:  BIOENERGETICS (2 Credits)

Acids and bases.  Buffer and buffer systems. Blood buffers first and second laws of thermodynamics. Chemical thermodynamics. Thermodynamics of the living cell. Gibbs free energy and energy conversions in living organisms.  Energy rich compounds.  Importance of ATP in energy exchange. Free energy and thermodynamic function.  Mechanisms of energy coupling. Oxidation-reduction reaction and standard redox potential.  Simple calculations based on these concepts. Oxidative phosphorylation and photosynthetic phosphorylation. Natural and artificial membrane bilayers.  Unit membrane hypothesis. 

Membrane transport Systems. Ionophores.

300L SECOND SEMESTER

MBC 320:  CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY (3 Credits)

Pancreatic function tests - to include secretion and pancreozymin stimulation tests.  Glucose tolerance test, insulin sensitivity test, estimation of amylase, Estimation of the activity of trypsin in duodenal contents, gastric function tests to include HCl secretion, histamine and augmented histamine tests. Fractional and tubeless test meals.  Instestinal absorption test, Vitamin absorption test, the Congo red test for amyloidosis and faecal fat estimations.  Diseases of the muscle. Lipidaemias, hyper and hypolio- proteinemia - definition, causes and investigation. Physiology of the kidney, renal clearance.  Urea clearance, creatinine and inulin clearances. Concentration and dilution tests. lmpairment of renal failures. Azotaemia. Anurial. Sodium loss in renal diseases. Liver function tests. Jaundice types and pigment excretion in jaundice; urine and Blood urea ammonia. Urinalysis. parproteinaemia, Bounce Jones proteinuria and its Significance.

PHS 321:  ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION/DESIGN OF EXPERIMENT (2 Credits)

Laboratory animal experimental techniques in physiology: Past and present Basic instrumentation, Tissue preparations. Investigation techniques and Design of Experiment Basic skills of Proposal writing. Data management.

MBC 321:  MICROBIOBIAL PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY  (2 Credits)

Microbial growth changes in cell population and macro molecular composition during the growth process. Growth under nutrient limiting and non-limiting conditions. Microbial metabolism carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. Metabolic enzymes, sources of reducing power. Energy yields Biosynthesis intermediates and products. Structure and functions of cell mechanisms in microbial metabolism.

MBC 322:  INTRODUCTORY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3 credits)

Purines, pryrimidines, Nucleic acids. Structure and function of DNA and RNA. Detailed treatment of the Watson-Crick Model of DNA and other forms of DNA. Nucleases. Endo and Exo nucleases. Restriction endonuclase. DNA supercoiling and link number.Topoisomerase.  Genome Organistation. A study of the structure and function of the genetic material in relation to genetic expression and control in prokaryotes at the level of transcription and translation, operons, transmethylation and acetylation including cellular ultrastructure. Chromosone structure and gene expression in eukaryotes. Normal and pathological Ultrastructure of the cell. Organelles of prokaryotes Vs eukaryotes. Biosynthesis of proteins.  Transcription and transcriptional modification of RNA Translation. Translation in cell fre system.  Inhibitors of RNA synthesis.  Regulation fre system.  Inhibitors of RNA synthesis.  Regulation of transcription including operon.  Mutations and Mutagens. DNA damage and repair. Carcinogenesis; basic aspects relating to mechanisms of neoplastic transformation and application of molecular Biology.  Inhibiting of DNA repair. Pathological manifestations of defective DNA repair including Zeroderma pigmentosun, atax Abnormalities in nucleic acid metabolism. Biochemistry of hereditary dominant and receive traits. Genetic diseases. Biochemical basis of Gentically inherited diseases. Phenylketonuria, albinism, galactosemia, sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia. Mitotic and Meiotic Chromosomes: (including spermatogenesis, protamines, lamphrus Chromosomes). Pathology of meiosis and Mitosis Bloom syndrome. Endomitosis, Delection, Duplications, translocations and inversions.

MBC 325:  TECHNIQUES IN BIOCHEMICAL RESEARCH (2 Credits)

Principle of Analytical Biochemistry. Cell fractionation, extraction and analysis. Basic Chromatography techniques (Paper, thin layer and gel).  Electrophoresis (Paper, gel, Isoelectric focusing) etc. spectrophotometry. PH measurements. Manomeric procedures of oxygen electrode and calorimaetry.  Isotopes in Biochemistry. 60

Quantitative problems based on the foregoing techniques and interpretation of data. Autoradiography and techniques of radiolabelling.

MBC 327:  STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (2 Credits)

Students will be attached to a hospital/medical laboratory for a period of 12weeks during the long vacation. The programme is coordinated by the Department at the completion of the 300 level. A written report is presented at the end of the programme by each participant.  The report includes the 200 level IT experience with relevant log books. The SIWES Coordinator (a member of staff in the Department) visits the students during the period to assess the organization, work ethics and involvement of the students.

MBC 329:  INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMICAL LITERATURE (2 Credits)

History and philosophy of science. Growth and development of Biochemistry over the years emphasizing major breakthrough in Biochemical research.  Introduction to Biochemical literature. Effective use of library for literature search. Preparation of dissertations and written discussions are presented in class.

MMB 321:  INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY (1 Credits)

History, morphology, growth and nutrition. Classification and identification of bacteria. Bacterial genetics, bacteriophages, viruses, infection and resistance to infection. Sterilization and disinfection. Antimicrobial agents. Introduction parasites and fungi.

PCO 320:  INTRODUCTORY PHARMACOLOGY (2 Credits)

History of Pharmacology and its development. Introduction to pharmacokinetics; drug absorption and bioavailability. Drug metabolism, pharmacogenetics. Effects of disease on drug kinetics. Drug in pregnancy and the extreme age. Pharmacodynamics; dose-response relationships, LD₅₀ ED₅₀ and TD₅₀. Therapeutic index; introduction of new drugs, clinical trials; adverse drug reactions and adverse reaction surveillance.

400L FIRST SEMESTER

MBC 410:  REGULATORY MECHANISMS (2 Credits)

Regulatory mechanisms. Principles and features integration of metabolic pathways. Relationship of Kreb’s cycle to protein, Carbohydrate, Lipid and nucleic acid metabolic pathways – glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, TCA Cycle. Turnover rates and metabolic pools. Feedback inhibition. Regulation and control to aliphatic and aromatic amino acid in the biosynthesis of amino acids in Micro-organism. Endocrine system and mechanism of hormone control of metabolism.

MBC 411:  ADVANCED ENZYMOLOGY (3 Credits)

Enzyme active site Explanation of the high efficiency of enzymes as catalyst. Theories of the nature of active site Active site directed reagents.  Regulatory site. Methods of investigation of the nature of the enzyme active site, Enzyme assays. Criteria for determining purity of enzyme. X-rays-techniques in the study of enzymes. Chemical modification of enzyme activity. Enzyme reaction mechanism. Hill plot Adair Monod Wynan and Changeux models konshland – newmethy filmer model. Regulatory enzymes. Molecular model for allesterism/Examples of allesteric enzymes (ATPase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase).  Explanation of positive and negative cooperativity of these model.  Distinction of the various models. Chemistry of enzyme catalysis. Energy of Activation and Arrhenius plots. Transient Kinetics and steady state kinetics pH, Temperature and enzyme action. Multiple enzyme complexes Mechanism of action of well known enzymes eg. Ribonuclease, Chymotrypsin, Iysozyme, alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase. Detailed study of the enzymes of the repiratory chain.

  

MBC 412:  TISSUE BIOCHEMISTRY (3 Credits)

The liver structure function glucostatic function and nitrogen metabolism of the liver. The kidney-structure and function. Urine formation and osmoregulation. Tubular transport mechanism. Excretory and detoxification function Acid-base regulation. Lymphatics and other fluids muscle structure and composition mechanism of contraction. Neurochemistry – nerves, synapses membrane potential. Depolarization. Biochemical aspects of brain techniques of fractionation. Neurotransmitters. Biochemistry of vision and cardiac tissue. Adipose tissues and their metabolism. Structural tissues: elastin and collagen.

MBC 413:  BIOCHEMISTRY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS (2 Credits)

Organization of plants cells and plant cell wall. Alkaloids flavonoids, lignin and plant homones. Biosynthesis of alkaloids and Carotenoids Opium and Cocaine. Saponins. Caffeine in Plants. Unusual amino acids in plants. Pyrimidine and purine nucleosides. Metabolism of auxins, giberrelins and cytokinnins. Current development in the biochemistry of medicinal plants. Plant homones. Mineral metabolism. Aspects of Nitrogen metabolism in plant.  

MBC 414:  NUTRITION AND FOOD SCIENCE (3 Credits)

Principles of Nutrition. Review of various food items and their roles in nutrition. Meat, fish, fruits, vegetable oils, milk and milk products. Nutritional requirements of a varied population in a community, the role of local foodstuff in the management of diseases e.g. Kwashiorkor and marasmus, Obesity, Diabetics, Coronary heart disease, hypertension, constipation and Piles, renal disease, hepatitis and jaundice, Anaemia, Cholera, diarrhoea and underweight. The nutritive value of food with emphasis on local foodstuff. Metabolic disturbance related to dietary deficiencies and excess. Etiology and biochemical basis of malnutrition kwashiorkor and marasmus. Nutritional Disorders. Assessment of nutritional status Environmental and social features related to malnutrition. Toxic substances in foods especially local food. Food stage (chemistry and microbial) Browning reactions. Quality Control and biodeterioration of food products, food toxicants and detoxification mechanisms.  Food additives and preservatives.  Feed formulation, cereal formulas.

MBC 415:  BIOCHEMISTRY OF HORMONES (2 Credits)

Evolution of hormones. Action and classes of hormones. Intracellular mediators of hormones. Hormone receptors. binding activity and response Genetics of binding. Mode of hormones. CAMP as second messenger, role of calcium and other ions. Amino acid derived hormones, steroid hormones and polypeptide hormones. Hormones agonist antagonist and partial agonists. Biosynthesis of hormones.

MBC 417:    BIOMEMBRANES (2 Credits)

Definition. Type and functions of membrane. Membrane Composition. Membrane asymmetry and movement Diffusion, rotation and Fluidity. Isolation and identification. Election microscopy and maker enzyme assays. Introduction to receptor function Antigenicity of membrane components Cell membrane and toxins. Transport process mode of action of polymyxin and ionospheres antibiotics. Introduction to neurotransmission.

MBC 418:    SEMINAR (2 Credits)

Students carry out intensive literature search and present seminars on selected topics.

400L SECOND SEMESTER

MBC 420:  CLINICAL AND FORENSIC BIOCHEMISTRY (3credits)

The medical biochemist in health care delivery and Forensic medical collection and preservation of sample. Test of general well-being to include urine, blood, renal and liver function test. Electrolyte balance and endocrine function. Thyroid function test. Infertility investigations. Haemoglobinopathes, sickle cell disease Trace element in nutrition. Enzymes in diagnosis. Pathological samples. Cancer and chemotherapy. Biochemical basis of inherited disease. Forensic science and sampling DNA fingerprinting and PCR in forensic biochemistry parental suties. Blotting and hybridation techniques. The course covers the theoretical biochemical basis of laboratory tests and clinical significance in diagnosis and management of diseases.

MBC 421: BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY (2 Credits)

Meaning and importance of chemotherapy. Structure/function relationship of drugs. Designing of new drugs. Transport and tissue distribution of drugs-Blood, membranes, CNS, foetus placental. Biochemical factors that influence drug action. Drug receptor (proteins, nucleic acids, liquids etc) Mode of action of drugs selective toxicity and drug action.

Drugs affecting the CNS. Opium and the addictive drugs Anti Malaria Drugs. Trypanosomes and its economic importance. Metabolic effect of antibiotics and other drugs.DNA antimetabolites, RNA antimetabolies antimetabolites from plant phytoeamagglutinins, goitrogen, cyanogens, lathyrogen, protease inhibitors and favism.

MBC 422: ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3 Credits)

Techniques in nucleic chemistry (Isolation, purification and characterization, including sequencing of RNA and DNA). The role of restriction endonucleases and its application, and molecular explanation of some diseases e.g. Haemoglobinopathes. DNA replication and pathology of defective DNA synthesis. Polymerase chain reactions. Cloning and Recombinant DNA technology. Extra chromosomal factors, plasmids, episomes. Recombinant mechanisms and transfer of genetic information in bacteria (transformation, conjugation including plasmids f, 12 and col). Mechanism of drugs resistance, high frequency of recombination “H fr” donor states, transfer of chromosomal genes interrupted mating experiments and genetic mapping. Sex duction, transduction including phage-bacterium interactions, Virulent Vs temperate phage, Iysogenic response, genetic control Iysogeny, immunity in a Lysogenic state, generalized vs restructed transduction. Animal’s viruses: (classification, virus-host cell interaction, viral replication including specific examples of viral disease. Mechanism of infection by virus.  Hybridization techniques; DNA denaturation and renaturation, southern blotting mechanism, application to perinatal diagnosis, e.g. in hemoglobinopathies. Cloning techniques. Cellular. Reaction to injury.

MBC 423:   INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY (2 Credits)

Trace elements of biological systems. Incorporation of nitrogen and sulphur, minerals in biological process. Na, K, Ca, (ionic gradients, mineralization, blood clotting) Metalloproteins containing Zn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Mo.

MBC 425: INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY (2 credits)

Introduction – definitions, (Dimensions and units). Scope of bioengineering. Microbial growth-Requirements of growth. Types of media, the batch culture (Parameters of growth, mathematical model of simple batch culture, diaxic growth, Limitation) Factors affecting growth and product formation (energy and Carbohydrates, Hydrocarbons, oxygen temperature, pH). Biochemistry of microbial growth, energetics and kinectics of microbial growth. Downstrean processing in Biotechnology and general instrumentation. Fementation of good related products.  Microbial gums and other polymers. Enzyme production. Immobilised enzymes and applications. Pollution control, genetic engineering. Application in Biotechnolgy.

MBC 426:  BIOCHEMISTRY OF PARASITES & VIRUSES (3 Credits)

 Metabolism of biomolecules in parasites contrasted with that of the host, Host-parasite interactive parasite nutrient needs. Defense mechanism in parasitism. Biomembranes of parasites. Biochemical drug action against parasitism. Summary of structural properties of different classes of viruses. Viral multiplication mechanisms. Control of viral replication. Interference.

  

MBC 499:    PROJECT (6 Credits)                                    

Independent research in selected areas of topic under the supervision by an academic member of staff that has interest in that area. Students will be required to carry out literature survey on topics, perform experiment and produce four bound copies of report.