DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(BIOCHEMISTRY PROGRAMME)
SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
COVENANT UNIVERSITY
COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE CODE:
BCH 431
COURSE TITLE:
TISSUE BIOCHEMISTRY
UNITS:
2
SEMESTER/ SESSION:
ALPHA, 2014/2015
COURSE LECTURERS:
A.O. Rotimi
Dr. E.E J. Iweala*, Miss. T.M. Okuboyejo & Mrs.
*Course Coordinator
TIME:
See timetable
LOCATION:
See timetable
A.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF COURSE:
This course involves a description of the structure, components and functions of
various specialized tissues and organs. It explains the underlying biochemical
mechanisms of the various functions of the tissues and organs. The metabolic
processes, regulation and defects of the organs and tissues are also discussed.
B.
OBJECTIVES/GOALS:
At the end of this course, the students should be able to:
 Describe the structure, components and physiological functions of different
organs such as liver, kidney, blood, muscle etc.
1
 Fully describe the underlying biochemical mechanisms of functions of the
different organs such as liver, kidney, blood, and muscle.
 Describe the basic metabolic processes of the organs.
 Carry out the tests employed in determining the proper functions of the
various organs in the body.
C.
METHODS OF LECTURE DELIVERY /TEACHING AIDS
Lecture Delivery and Teaching Aids include
 Guided instructions
 Interactive classroom session
 Transparencies
 Diagrams
 Laboratory Practicals –
 Cell Fractionation Techniques
 Liver function Tests
 Kidney function tests
 Tests for serum and plasma proteins and enzymes
D.
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Introduction, liver and adipose tissue biochemistry. (Dr. E.E.J.
Iweala)
Week 1: Introduction to tissue biochemistry; liver anatomy and histology.
Week 2: Liver functions and metabolism; Distribution of nutrients, urea
synthesis, detoxification reactions and excretory functions, Liver function tests.
Week 3: Biochemistry of Adipose tissue
2
Module 2: Biochemistry of kidney and Blood. (Mrs. A.O. Rotimi)
Week 4: Kidney; renal function and composition of urine
Week 5: Blood; cellular components, serum and plasma, plasma proteins.
Week 6: Metals in biological processes Na, K, Mg, Ca, etc.
Week 7: Ionic gradients, mineralization and blood clotting.
Mid-term Test/Examination
Module 3: Digestive function and Biochemistry of Muscle. (Miss. T.M.
Okuboyejo & Dr E.E.J Iweala)
Week 8: Gastrointestinal tract; Anatomy, digestive function and regulation (Dr.
E.E.J Iweala)
Week 9: Structure of muscles, muscle proteins and mechanism of contraction
(Miss. T.M. Okuboyejo).
Week 10: Muscle metabolism, defects and diseases (Miss. T.M. Okuboyejo).
Module 4
Biochemistry of nerves and brain function (Miss. T.M.
Okuboyejo)
Week 11: Nerves; neurons, synapses, neurotransmitters and physiological
functions. Biochemical mechanism of neurotransmission
Week 12: Brain function and metabolism.
Week 13: Biochemistry of visual process
Week 14: Tutorials, Revision and evaluation.
E. TUTORIALS
 Describe the structure, components and physiological functions of different
organs such as liver, kidney, blood, muscle etc from a biochemical
perspective.
 Describe the basic metabolic processes and pathways of the organs and
tissues.
3
F.
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME/ METHOD OF GRADING
1.
2.
G.
Continuous Assessment
30 Marks
(i)
Test 1/Test 2
15 Marks
(ii)
Mid-Semester Test
15 Marks
Semester Examination
70 Marks
GROUND RULES AND REGULATIONS
The following ground rules and observations shall be observed:
 Mandatory 75% class attendance,
 No eating or dozing in the classroom or laboratory,
 Active participation in all activities,
 All class assignments must be submitted on time,
 Punctuality to classes must be observed.
H. TOPICS FOR TERM PAPERS/ASSIGNMENTS
(i)
Discuss the homeostatic functions of the liver.
(ii)
Discuss the role of blood in the diagnosis of diseases.
(iii)
Explain the biochemical mechanism of muscular contraction.
(iv)
Outline the processes involved in urine formation in the kidney.h
(v)
Discuss the mechanism of neurotransmission by nerves.
I. ALIGNMENT WITH UNIVERSITY VISION AND GOALS
The pattern of lecture delivery shall be aligned with the vision and goals
of Covenant University which is geared towards building a new
generation of world leaders that will restore the dignity of mankind. This
will be achieved in the following ways
4
 Every lecture shall start with a prayer
 Class sessions shall be interactive and participatory
 Lectures shall focus on capacity building by citing practical
examples and relating topics to industry
 Students shall be made to strictly adhere to the ground rules and
regulations of this course.
J. INDUSTRIAL RELEVANCE
Knowledge garnered in this course shall be relevant in the medical,
pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
K. RECOMMENDED READING
1. Stryer, L. Biochemistry (4th Edition).
2. Lehninger, A. Principles of Biochemistry (5th Edition)
3. Delvin,T.M Textbook of Biochemistry with clinical correlations (6th
Edition)
4. Berg et al, Biochemistry (5th Edition)
5. Harper, H. A. Review of Physiological Chemistry.
6. Campbell,M.K and Farrell,S.O. Biochemistry (6th Edition)
5