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WARM WELCOME TO THE DIVISION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AT WSU

  • Welcoming message to the Division of Biochemistry at Walter Sisulu University (WSU).

MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY LECTURERS

  • List of lecturers for the Medical Biochemistry course:
    • Dr. Y. Yako: Head of Division
    • Dr. J. Joseph: Deputy Head
    • Dr. F. Ganjifrockwala
    • Dr. L. Macingwana
    • Mrs. T. Tshaka
    • Ms. B. Gqaza

CONTACT DETAILS OF LECTURERS

  • Dr. F. Ganjifrockwala

    • Course: Introduction to organic molecules, Carbohydrates
    • Office: Old Library building, Office L346c
    • Telephone: 047-5022504
    • Email: fganjifrockwala@wsu.ac.za
    • Consultation: By appointment

  • Dr. L. Macingwana

    • Course: Nucleic acids
    • Office: Old Library building, Office 343
    • Telephone: 047-5022182
    • Email: lmacingwana@wsu.ac.za
    • Consultation: By appointment

  • Dr. J. T. Joseph

    • Courses: Proteins, Enzymes
    • Office: Old Library building, Office 344
    • Telephone: 047-5022503
    • Email: tjoseph@wsu.ac.za
    • Consultation: By appointment

  • Dr. Y. Yako

    • Courses: Lipids, Biological membranes
    • Office: Old Library building, Office L340
    • Telephone: 047-5011591
    • Email: yayako@wsu.ac.za
    • Consultation: By appointment

  • Ms. B. Gqaza

    • Course: Water, pH, electrolytes
    • Office: Old Library building, Office 345
    • Email: bgqaza@wsu.ac.za
    • Consultation: By appointment

  • Mrs. T. Tshaka

    • Course: Practicals
    • Office: Old Library building, Office L324
    • Email: ttshaka@wsu.ac.za
    • Consultation: By appointment

  • Mrs. T. Ngonyama-Nontamo

    • Course: Practicals, In-service
    • Email: tngonyama@wsu.ac.za
    • Consultation: By appointment

WHAT IS BIOCHEMISTRY?

  • Definition of Biochemistry: A branch of science focused on the study of molecules and their reactions within living systems.

LIFE SCIENCES

  • Definition: Diverse branch of science that encompasses a broad spectrum of independent but related disciplines such as:
    • Botany
    • Zoology
    • Biochemistry
    • Physiology
    • Anatomy

STUDY OF MOLECULES IN LIVING SYSTEMS

  • Living systems studied in biochemistry include:
    • Bacteria
    • Viruses
    • Animals
    • Plants

CLINICAL BIochemistry AND MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

  • Medical Biochemistry is also referred to as Chemical Pathology.

CHEMICAL LEVEL OF BIOCHEMISTRY

  • Basic components include:
    • Molecules (e.g., DNA)
    • Organic compounds: Biomolecules
    • Examples of biomolecule processes include:
    • Glycolysis
    • Fermentation
    • Krebs Cycle

RESPIRATION IN HUMANS

  • Net equation for respiration represented as:
    C6H{12}O6 + 6 O2
    ightarrow 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ext{energy}
  • Outcomes of respiration:
    • Energy production with a total of 36 ATP molecules generated.

RELEVANCE OF BIOCHEMISTRY IN MEDICAL PRACTICE

  • Provides information crucial for understanding biological processes and the implications of biochemical defects leading to diseases.
  • Examples of macromolecules relevant to medical biochemistry:
    • Carbohydrates
    • Proteins
    • Lipids
    • Nucleic acids
  • Importance in diagnosing diseases and prescribing treatments based on biochemical understanding.

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

  • Essential high school concepts include:
    • Elements in the periodic table and significance of their positions
    • Number of electrons and protons in each element
    • Significance of electrons in chemical bonding
  • These concepts are crucial for understanding how the structures of biomolecules are formed.

INTEGRATION OF HUMAN BIOLOGY DISCIPLINES

  • As a physician, one must integrate multiple disciplines in Human Biology:
    • Problem-based learning through case discussions.
    • Understanding structure-function relationships of biomolecules.
    • Interactions within cellular, tissue, and organ levels to determine causes of symptoms and make diagnoses.

CASE STUDY: CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

  • How biomolecule structures are altered in this condition:
    • Changes in reactions triggered by excessive intake of certain macromolecules. - Symptoms expressed may include:
    • Shortness of breath
    • Dizziness
    • Sweating
    • Weakness
    • Nausea
  • Role of a doctor:
    • Make a diagnosis
    • Prescribe medication for symptoms and for correcting issues at the cellular, tissue, or organ levels.

IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING OVER MEMORIZATION

  • Emphasizes the need for understanding rather than rote memorization.
  • Benefits include:
    • Integration of information
    • Development of problem-solving abilities
    • Engagement in activities that enhance cognitive skills.

ROLE OF LECTURERS

  • Functions include:
    • Directing students to necessary content and resources.
    • Facilitating learning and the acquisition of knowledge and skills needed for qualifications.
    • Explaining complex concepts and providing activities to achieve learning outcomes.
    • Assessing student learning progression.

ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

  • Continuous assessment includes:
    • 3 Class tests: each contributing 30%
    • Practical quizzes: contributing 10%
  • Final examination assesses all content without specific scope at the end of Semester 1.
  • Final mark computed as:
    • 60% of your DP mark + 40% of your examination mark.
  • Grading policy:
    • 50% and more = PASS
    • 45% to < 49% = Qualifies for supplementary exam
    • < 45% = FAIL