METABOLISM
Course Code:
Course Level:
Course Credit:
MBC7104
1
3 CU
Brief course description
This course will examine: the metabolism of food nutrients, lipoproteins and their relation to
diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, processes and regulation of
metabolism, concepts and key mediators of signal transduction
Course objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
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Critically discuss the metabolism of food nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and
fats
Discuss critically the metabolism of lipoprotein and their relationship to coronary heart
disease.
Discuss the mechanisms of signal transduction and homeostasis
Correlate recent literature dealing with metabolism, metabolic control theory with
emphasis on cell or whole body metabolism in relationship to disorders such as obesity,
cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Course outline
Nutrient metabolism
(4 hours)
An overview of nutrient metabolism, inborn errors and disorders of carbohydrate, protein and
lipid metabolism will be considered
Lipoprotein metabolism
(8 hours)
The levels and distribution of lipoproteins within the blood are intimately connected with the
pathogenesis and regression of atherosclerotic vascular disease. The structure of lipoproteins at
the physicochemical level, their biosynthesis, assembly and secretion are considered. The
metabolism of lipoproteins within the vascular compartment and their subsequent removal by
receptor-mediated processes is explored in relation to both lipid transport and genesis/regression
of atherosclerotic lesions.
Signal transduction and Homeostasis
(8 hours)
Signal Transducing Receptor Classes, receptor tyrosine kinases, Non-receptor Tyrosine kinases,
phospholipids and phospholipases, G-protein coupled Receptors, G-protein regulators and
intracellular hormones. Mechanisms of signal transduction will be considered.
Tutorials
(20 hours)
Practical
(30 hours)
Mode of delivery
This course will be taught using Lectures, Assignments and practicals
Assessment
Assignments reports, tests, practical reports and end of module examination. Their relative
contribution to the final grade is shown below:
Requirement
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
Test
Final Examination
Total
Contribution
20%
20%
60%
100%
Reading list
1. J.G Salway (1999) Metabolism at a glance, 2nd edtion,
2. Frayn K.N and Keith N (1996) Metabolic regulation: a human perspective.
3. Marshell William and Stephen K Bangert (1995) Clinical Biochemistry: Metabolic and
clinical aspects.
4. Charles Scrivener (1995) Metabolic basis of inherited disease volume 1-3, 7th edition.