Topic outline

  • BAB 1206: BASIC BIOCHEMISTRY

    Basic biochemistry module is designed to equip the learner with knowledge, skills and attitude to enable them to develop a good understanding of nutrition, conduct their research project, participate in nutrition and health related studies.

    The prerequisite modules include; Human anatomy and physiology, Principles of human nutrition, and physical sciences.  The module takes 60 contact hours: 37 hours for theory and 23 hours for practical. Learners undertaking this module will have both theory and practical assessments. Formative assessment will be in the form of continuous assessment tests, assignments, clinical and field assessments and promotional examination whereas summative assessment will be done in form of final qualifying examination.
►Unit One: Introduction to biochemistry

  • Module Preliminaries

    Module OverviewModule Competency

    Provide the learner with basic concept of biochemistry and biochemical metabolism; and to appreciate the role of biochemistry in nutrition; health and disease.

    Module Description

    This is a first year module design to introduce learners to the course of Basic Biochemistry.  It includes: Introduction to Biochemistry: meaning of terms; role of biochemistry in provision of energy and synthesis of various substances; role hormones in regulation of metabolism. Carbohydrates; structure and classification of carbohydrates; properties of carbohydrates; carbohydrate metabolism; glycolysis of carbohydrates; hexose monophosphate pathway; TCA and electron transport; tissue specificity in relation to carbohydrate metabolism and storage; the role of gluconeogenesis; glycogen; glycogenesis and glucogenolysis in organism; regulation of carbohydrate metabolism; metabolic disorders of carbohydrate metabolism; Lipids: meaning of terms; classification of lipids; structure and nomenclature of fats; fatty acids; lipids and acylglycerols; wastes; complex and derivatives; saponification; rancidity; steroids and their functions; cholesterol metabolism; oxidation; ketogenesis and storage; significance of cholesterol in health; metabolism of fat and lipids; functions of lipids; inter-conversion of carbohydrates; fat and protein; disorders of lipid/fat metabolism. Protein: meaning of terms; building block of proteins; amino acids classification; protein structure; protein conformation and denaturation; protein synthesis; properties of proteins; metabolism of proteins; transamination; inter-conversion of amino acids; functions of proteins in the body; disorders of protein metabolism; inter-conversion of carbohydrates and proteins. Enzymes: meaning of term isoenzymes; structures of enzymes; classification of enzymes; occurrence and functions in food systems; factors affecting activity; properties of enzymes; mode of action; enzyme role in biochemical reactions. Nucleic acid; meaning of terms; occurrence of nucleic acids; chromosome; structure and functions of DNA and RNA; nucleotide structure derivatives; differences between nucleosides and nucleotides; protein synthesis. Bioenergetics: meaning of terms; functions of energetics; sources of energy and inter-convertibility; laws of thermodynamics; free energy release from food and energy bonds; oxidation–reduction enzymes and electron transfer; chemical energy formation and transfer. Hormones: meaning of terms; organization of mammalian hormone systems; functions of various hormones; secretion; mode of action and regulation of hormones; role of nucleic adenosine monophosphate on secretion and action of hormones; clinical disorders of hormone deficiencies and excesses. Muscles: types and functions of muscles; structure of muscles; muscle contraction; biochemical and physical changes of muscle. Emerging issues and trends in biochemistry: Identification of trends; challenges and coping mechanisms.

    Learning Outcomes                                                                                                                                                 
    By the end of this module, you will have gained sufficient skills to;
    1. Demonstrate understanding of metabolism of major nutrients
    2.  Explain the role of enzymes in nutrient metabolism and in provision of energy
    3. Explain the mechanism of protein synthesis
    4. Demonstrate understanding on the role of hormones in nutrient metabolism and regulation
    5. Explain the disorders of abnormal metabolism and hormones disturbance

    Learning Support
    The lecturers taking you through this module is Francis Maina and Simon Osonga. Their email addresses are fwaweru@kmtc.ac.ke and sosonga@kmtc.ac.ke  respectively. They can also be reached through 0713730995 and 0721700916 respectively. However, if you have a technical problem relating to interacting with the platform, you can write an email to elearning@kmtc.ac.ke. Someone will respond to you as soon as possible 
    Performance Tasks
    Within the various units and topics in the module, there are tasks that you are supposed to attempt and submit for marking. Some of them are not meant for submission.  For those that are meant for submission, you are encouraged to be very keen to observe due date because once the date lapses, you will not be able to submit the same. Calling support line will not help you on this. If you are not able to upload an assignment, seek help well in advance before the due date. Otherwise, this will not be used as an acceptable reason for not submitting on time.
    These tasks are divided into two as follows:

    (i) Main Tasks that comprise of quizzes and written assignment

    (ii) Sub tasks that comprise group discussion and clinical logs.

    Learning Requirements
    For effective and smooth learning, it is expected of you to be computer proficient. Additionally, to satisfactorily complete this module, it is required of you to;
    1. Submit assignment and required tasks on time
    2. Participate in discussion forums as and when they are scheduled.       
    3. Participate in chat sessions as and when they are scheduled.
    4. Sit for CAT’s when scheduled, and
    5. Sit in Exam at the end of the session.                                                                   


►Unit One: Introduction to biochemistry