COVENANT UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
PROGRAMME: BIOCHEMISTRY
COURSE CODE:
BCH 311
COURSE TITLE:
METABOLISM OF LIPIDS
UNITS:
2
SEMESTER/ SESSION:
ALPHA, 2014/2015
COURSE LECTURER:
*Dr O. E. Omotosho, Mrs. O. A. Rotimi and
Mr. O. S. Adegbite
*Course Coordinator
A.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course focuses on the metabolism (oxidation and biosynthesis) of
the different classes of lipids. It also examines the regulatory
mechanisms of lipid metabolism and the chemical and industrial
applications of some important lipids.
B.
AIMS
To analyze the catabolic and anabolic processes involved in lipid
metabolism and to relate these to the physiological functions,
metabolic effects and applications of various lipids.
C.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this course, the students are expected to:
 Describe the different classes of lipids, blood lipids and lipoprotein
systems.
 Describe the formation of lipid micelles, monolayers, bilayers and
membranes.
 Recognize the pathway for oxidation of fats.
 Appreciate the biosynthetic pathways for different classes of lipids
and the adipose tissues.
 Know how lipid metabolism is regulated.
 Explain the industrial and chemical applications of lipids.
D.
METHODS OF LECTURE DELIVERY /TEACHING AIDS
Lecture Delivery and Teaching Aids include
 Guided instructions
 Interactive classroom session
 Multimedia
 Transparencies
 Diagrams
E.
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1
Overview of classes of lipids, lipid vesicles and
membranes
Dr. O. E. Omotosho
Week 1
Classes of lipids, blood lipids, and lipoproteins
Week 2
Lipid micelles, monolayers, bilayers and Liposomes
Week 3
Biological membranes
Module 2
Applications of lipids
Week 4
Industrial and chemical applications of glyceraldehydes,
Dr. O. E. Omotosho
glycolipids, leucotrienes, prostaglandins and
thromboxanes
Module 3
Metabolism of fats
Week 5
Oxidation of fatty acids
Week 6
Adipose tissue and fat metabolism
Week 7
Regulation of the metabolism of fats
Week 8
Ketosis and metabolic disorders
Mrs. O. A. Rotimi
Mid-term Test
Module 4
Biosynthesis of lipids
Mr. O. S. Adegbite
Week 9
General overview of lipid biosynthesis.
Week 10
Biosynthesis of fatty acids (saturated, unsaturated and
essential fatty acid).
F.
Week 11
Biosynthesis of phospholipids and sphingolipids.
Week 12
Cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis.
Week 13
Tutorials
Week 14
Revision and evaluation
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME/ METHOD OF
GRADING
1.
2.
G.
Continuous Assessment
30 Marks
(i)
Tests and assignments
15 Marks
(ii)
Mid-Semester Test
15 Marks
Semester Examination
70 Marks
CLASS BEHAVIOUR
Please note the following:
 Mandatory 75% class attendance,
 No eating or dozing in the classroom
 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)
Describe the major classes of lipids, blood lipids and
lipoproteins.
(ii)
Explain the formation of lipid micelles, monolayers and
bilayers.
(iii)
Discuss the structure and organization of biological
membranes.
(iv)
Outline the pathway for fat oxidation and highlight its role in
energy generation.
(v)
Describe the major pathways of lipid biosynthesis.
(vi)
Discuss the mechanisms involved in the regulation of lipid
metabolism.
(vii) Explain the biochemical basis and implications of ketosis and
atherosclerosis.
(viii) Discuss the industrial and chemical applications of lipids.
I.
ALIGNMENT WITH UNIVERSITY VISION AND GOALS
The course will better equip the students towards an improved mental
capacity.
J. INDUSTRIAL RELEVANCE
Metabolism of lipids has relevance in medicine and pharmaceuticals and day
to day life.
K.
RECOMMENDED READING
1. Stryer, L. Biochemistry (4th edition).
2. Lehninger, A. Principles of Biochemistry (5th edition)
3. Horton H. A. et al. Principles of Biochemistry (4th edition)
4. Harper, H. A. Review of Physiological Chemistry.