Biochemistry HEC: Biochemistry is a vital subject within the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, offering essential insights into the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. The HEC curriculum for Biochemistry is designed to equip nursing students with the foundational knowledge needed to understand the biochemical basis of health and disease, enhancing their ability to provide effective patient care. This comprehensive overview will cover the syllabus, course objectives, major topics, laboratory practicals, and recommended resources for students.
Course Description
The Biochemistry course in the BScN program is structured within a 136-credit hour curriculum, allocating 3 credit hours specifically for Biochemistry. This includes 2 theory credit hours and 1 laboratory credit hour, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the major organic substances of living organisms, including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, along with their structures, functions, and roles in metabolism.
Course Objectives
By the end of the Biochemistry course, students will be able to:
- Describe the basics of organic chemistry, focusing on biomolecules and reactions relevant to proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, and hormones.
- Perform experiments to study the chemical and physical properties of biomolecules.
- Relate basic biochemical knowledge to a better understanding of the physiological functions of the human body.
Course Outline
Unit I: Basic Concepts of Chemistry
- Matter and Elements: Review the basic concepts of matter, elements, mixtures, compounds, chemical reactions, equations, and bonding. Understand the importance of chemistry in nursing.
- Structure of Atom: Explore the periodic table, chemical formulas, and chemical reactions.
- Chemical Equations: Discuss bonding, redox reactions, and acid-base concepts.
Unit II: Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry
- Definition of Organic Chemistry: Understand the definition and classification of organic compounds.
- Properties of Organic Compounds: Discuss the properties and nomenclature of organic compounds as per the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
- Hydrocarbons: Explore alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and isomerism.
- Functional Groups: Identify the major macromolecules present in the human body.
Unit III: Metabolism and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
- Metabolism: Define metabolism, including anabolism and catabolism, and discuss the significance of ATP in these processes.
- Metabolic Pathways: Explain gluconeogenesis, glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, transamination, deamination, and ketosis. Discuss metabolic pathways for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
Unit IV: Chemistry of Carbohydrates
- Structure and Classification: Describe the structure of carbohydrates and their classification.
- Properties and Significance: Discuss the properties and biological significance of carbohydrates.
Unit V: Chemistry of Lipids
- Structure and Properties: Explain the structure and properties of lipids, including classifications such as simple, compound, and derived lipids.
- Fatty Acids: Discuss the types of fatty acids and their significance, including saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Role of Fats: Describe the uses of fats in the body, their physical and chemical properties, and the role of phospholipids and steroids (cholesterol) in cell membranes.
Unit VI: Chemistry of Proteins
- Amino Acids: Discuss the general chemistry of amino acids, including their composition, amphoteric nature, and classifications (essential and non-essential).
- Protein Structure: Describe the structure of proteins (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary) and their functions.
- Biological Importance: Discuss the classification of proteins based on solubility, composition, and biological functions. Explore the properties and colloidal nature of proteins, including denaturation.
Unit VII: Nucleic Acids and Nucleotides
- Cell Review: Provide an overview of the cell and describe the structure of nucleic acids.
- Importance of DNA and RNA: Discuss the chemistry of nucleic acids, nucleosides, and nucleotides, as well as the structure and functions of DNA and RNA.
Unit VIII: Enzymology
- Importance of Enzymes: Discuss the importance of enzymes, their properties, classification, and significance in biochemical processes.
- Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity: Examine factors influencing enzyme activity, including concentration, pH, temperature, and time. Discuss enzyme specificity and the mechanisms of enzyme action, including activators and inhibitors.
Unit IX: Bioenergetics and Metabolism
- Bioenergetics: Define bioenergetics and discuss biological oxidation and free energy concepts.
- Electron Transport Chain: Explain the role of ATP in linking catabolism and anabolism, as well as the role of electron carriers in biological redox reactions.
Unit X: Metabolism of Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrate Metabolism: Discuss the metabolism of carbohydrates, the importance of glucose in blood, and its dependence on various factors.
- Metabolic Pathways: Describe glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, and the role of oxidative glucose catabolism in the citric acid cycle.
- Gluconeogenesis: Explain gluconeogenesis and the overall scheme of carbohydrate metabolism.
Unit XI: Metabolism of Proteins
- Protein Digestion and Absorption: Review the digestion and absorption of proteins and the significance of nitrogen balance.
- Protein Metabolism Pathways: Discuss general pathways of protein metabolism, including deamination, decarboxylation, and the formation of urea and ammonia disposal.
Unit XII: Metabolism of Fats
- Fatty Acid Oxidation: Describe the mechanism of fatty acid oxidation and the energy produced during the oxidation of fats.
- Ketone Bodies: Explain the significance of ketone bodies in metabolism.
Unit XIII: Hormones
- Introduction to Hormones: Define hormones and classify them into various categories (steroid, amino acid, peptide hormones).
- Hormone Action: Discuss the mode of action of steroid and peptide hormones, including cardiac, pineal, and gastrointestinal hormones.
Laboratory Practical Topics
The laboratory component complements the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures and includes practical applications such as:
- First aid precautions and laboratory working protocols.
- Use of glassware in the laboratory.
- Preparation and identification of various solutions.
- Conducting tests for organic compounds (e.g., Molisch’s test, Benedict’s test, Biuret test).
- Determining glucose and creatinine levels in serum.
Recommended Books
- Chatterjea, M. N. (2004). Textbook of Biochemistry for Dental/Nursing/Pharmacy Students (2nd ed.). New Delhi: Jaypee.
- Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2006). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (12th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
- Ross & Wilson. (2000). Anatomy & Physiology in Health & Illness. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Conclusion
The Biochemistry curriculum within the BScN program provides nursing students with a foundational understanding of the biochemical principles that govern human health and disease. By exploring the structure and function of biomolecules, metabolism, and the chemical processes essential to life, students are equipped to apply this knowledge in their nursing practice. The integration of theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory experience ensures that future healthcare professionals are well-prepared to address the biochemical aspects of patient care. Through this comprehensive curriculum, students are set on a path toward becoming competent and effective nurses.