BIOCHEMISTRY & CLINICAL PATHOLOGY – THEORY

Course Code: ER20-23T

75 Hours (3 Hours/week)

Scope: This course is designed to impart basic knowledge on the study of structure and functions of bio-molecules and the chemical processes associated with living cells in normal and abnormal states. The course also emphasizes on the clinical pathology of blood and urine.

Course Objectives: This course will discuss the following at the fundamental level

  1. Structure and functions of bio-molecules

  2. Catalytic activity, diagnostic and therapeutic importance of enzymes

  3. Metabolic pathways of bio-molecules in health and illness (metabolic disorders)

  4. Biochemical principles of organ function tests and their clinical significance

  5. Qualitative and quantitative determination of bio-molecules / metabolites in the biological sample

  6. Clinical pathology of blood and urine

Course Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to

  1. Describe the functions of bio-molecules

  2. Discuss the various functions of enzymes in the human system

  3. Explain the metabolic pathways of bio-molecules in both physiological and pathological conditions

  4. Describe the principles of organ function tests and their clinical significance

  5. Determine the bio-molecules / metabolites in the given biological samples, both qualitatively and quantitatively

  6. Describe the clinical pathology of blood and urine



CHAPTER 1 (2 hours)

Introduction to biochemistry:

Scope of biochemistry in pharmacy; Cell and its biochemical organization.

CHAPTER 2 (5 hours)

Carbohydrates

  • Definition, classification with examples, chemical properties

  • Monosaccharides - Structure of glucose, fructose, and galactose

  • Disaccharides - structure of maltose, lactose, and sucrose

  • Polysaccharides - chemical nature of starch and glycogen

  • Qualitative tests and biological role of carbohydrates


CHAPTER 3 (5 hours)

Proteins

  • Definition, classification of proteins based on composition and solubility with examples

  • Definition, classification of amino acids based on chemical nature and nutritional requirements with examples

  • Structure of proteins (four levels of organization of protein structure)

  • Qualitative tests and biological role of proteins and amino acids

  • Diseases related to malnutrition of proteins



CHAPTER 4 (5 hours)

Lipids

  • Definition, classification with examples

  • Structure and properties of triglycerides (oils and fats)

  • Fatty acid classification - Based on chemical and nutritional requirements with examples

  • Structure and functions of cholesterol in the body

  • Lipoproteins - types, composition and functions in the body

  • Qualitative tests and functions of lipids


CHAPTER 5 (4 hours)

Nucleic acids

  • Definition, purine and pyrimidine bases

  • Components of nucleosides and nucleotides with examples

  • Structure of DNA (Watson and Crick model), RNA and their functions


CHAPTER 6 (5 hours)

Enzymes

  • Definition, properties and IUB and MB classification

  • Factors affecting enzyme activity

  • Mechanism of action of enzymes, Enzyme inhibitors

  • Therapeutic and pharmaceutical importance of enzymes


CHAPTER 7 (6 hours)

Vitamins

  • Definition and classification with examples

  • Sources, chemical nature, functions, coenzyme form, recommended dietary requirements, deficiency diseases of fat-and water-soluble vitamins


CHAPTER 8 (20 hours)

Metabolism (Study of cycle/pathways without chemical structures)


  • Metabolism of Carbohydrates: Glycolysis, TCA cycle and glycogen metabolism, regulation of blood glucose level. Diseases related to abnormal metabolism of Carbohydrates

  • Metabolism of lipids: Lipolysis, β-oxidation of Fatty acid (Palmitic acid) ketogenesis and ketolysis. Diseases related to abnormal metabolism of lipids such as Ketoacidosis, Fatty liver, Hypercholesterolemia

  • Metabolism of Amino acids (Proteins): General reactions of amino acids and its significance Transamination, deamination, Urea cycle and decarboxylation. Diseases related to abnormal metabolism of amino acids, Disorders of ammonia metabolism, phenylketonuria, alkaptonuria and Jaundice.

  • Biological oxidation: Electron transport chain and Oxidative phosphorylation


CHAPTER 9 (5 hours)

Minerals: Types, Functions, Deficiency diseases, recommended dietary requirements


CHAPTER 10 (5 hours)

Water and Electrolytes

  • Distribution, functions of water in the body

  • Water turnover and balance

  • Electrolyte composition of the body fluids, Dietary intake of electrolyte and Electrolyte balance

  • Dehydration, causes of dehydration and oral re-hydration therapy


CHAPTER 11 (1 hours)

Introduction to Biotechnology


CHAPTER 12 (6 hours)

Organ function tests

  • Functions of kidney and routinely performed tests to assess the functions of kidney and their clinical significances

  • Functions of liver and routinely performed tests to assess the functions of liver and their clinical significances

  • Lipid profile tests and its clinical significances


CHAPTER 13 (6 hours)

Introduction to Pathology of Blood and Urine

  • Lymphocytes and Platelets, their role in health and disease

  • Erythrocytes - Abnormal cells and their significance

  • Normal and Abnormal constituents of Urine and their significance