THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
SCHOOL OF NURSING SCIENCES
Department of Basic and Clinical Nursing Sciences
BSc in Midwifery, Nursing, Oncology & Public Health Nursing
Course: Biochemistry
Course Code: MID 2455/PGY 2455/NRS 2130
Course Rationale
Biochemistry is the study of chemical reactions in tissue (both within cells and in intercellular media);
it is the chemistry of life processes. The purpose of this course is to provide entry level students
with an introduction to the mechanical, physical and biochemical functions of humans in good
health. The course further introduces the students to the biochemical basis of a wide range of
clinical conditions and their application to health care. The course will also focus on biochemical
processes and how abnormal processes and metabolic changes can result in pathological states.
Course Aim
To introduce the students to the biochemistry of the human body; enable students to plan and
implement evidence-based nursing/midwifery care.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course the students should be able to:
Describe the metabolic pathways and functions of the main biomolecules including
carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Analyse the catalytic action of enzymes and their clinical importance.
Explain the commonest metabolic diseases resulting from metabolic derangements
Course Competences
Utilise the knowledge of metabolic derangement to prevent and manage metabolic
disorders.
Apply the biochemical pathways in relation to carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and
vitamins metabolism in managing patients with metabolic disorders.
Course Content
Unit 1: General Principles of Biomolecules (20 Hours)
1.1 Properties of Water (Molecular Structure/Bonding, Thermal Properties & Ionisation of Water)
1.2 Amino Acids- Classification and Functions
1.3 Carbohydrates- Classification and Functions
1.4 Lipids- Classification and Functions
1.5 Nucleotides- Classification and Functions
1.6 Proteins- Classification and Functions
1.7 Enzymes (Properties, Classification and Kinetics of Enzymes)
1.8 Vitamins- Classification and Functions
1.9 Bioenergetics (Energy Transformations, Enthalpy, Entropy, Free Energy, Role of ATP)
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Unit 2: Carbohydrate Metabolism (10 Hours)
2.1 Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis
2.2 Citric Acid Cycle
2.3 Electron Transport Chain
2.4 Glycogen Metabolism
Unit 3: Lipid Metabolism (6 Hours)
3.1 Fatty Acid Metabolism
3.2 Cholesterol Metabolism
Unit 4: Amino Acid and Nucleic Acid Metabolism, Protein Synthesis (12 Hours)
4.1 Amino Acid Metabolism
4.2 Nucleic Acid Metabolism
4.3 Protein Synthesis
Teaching Methods
Lecture/Discussion
Tutorials/Seminars
Demonstrations(Practicals)/Simulations
Self-study
Assessment Methods/Criteria
Continuous Assessment Threshold 12% (Tests: 6%, Assignments: 3% & Practicals: 3%)
Final Examination Threshold: 18% (Theory: 15% & Practical/Viva-voce: 3%)
Prescribed Textbooks
1. Cox M. Michael and Nelson L. David (2017). Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry.
7th Ed. New York, W.H. Freeman and Company, ISBN-10: 1464126119; ISBN-13: 978-
1464126116.
2. Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, and Lubert Stryer (2019). Biochemistry. 9th Ed.
Philadelphia. Elsevier Saunders, ISBN:9781319234362; ISBN:9781319114671
3. Trudy McKee and James R. McKee (2009). Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of
Life. 4th Edition. New York: Oxford University Press.
Recommended Reading
1. Grisham M. Charles and Reginald H. Garrett (2016). Biochemistry. New York. Cengage
Learning, 6th Ed. ISBN-10: 1305577205; ISBN-13: 978-1305577206.
2. Baynes W. John and Dominiczak H. Marek (2018). Medical Biochemistry.
Philadelphia. 5nd Ed. Elsevier Mosby. ISBN: 9780702078248; ISBN: 9780702078231;
ISBN: 9780702072994.
3. Murray R. K., Bender D. A, Botham K M, Kennelly P. J, Weil P. A, Rodwell V. W.
(2012). Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry. 26th Ed. New York, Lange Medical
Books/McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ISBN-10: 0071792775; ISBN-13: 978-0071792776
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