BCH2010
Cellular Basis of Biochemistry
3 U; 3 Lect.; 2nd term
A beginner’s course on cellular organization and function, this course introduces students to structural and functional concepts of cellular and subcellular components, including cell wall, plasma membrane, cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosomes, ribosomes, chloroplasts, cytoskeletons, etc. The characteristics of prokaryotes versus eukaryotes, unicellular versus multicellular organisms, cell division, cell cycles, cell-cell and subcellular communications will be discussed.

BCH2710
Cellular Basis of Biochemistry Laboratory
2 U; 3 Lab.; 2nd term
This laboratory course concerns the isolation and characterization of major cellular components by various biochemical techniques.  Cytological and histochemical techniques will also be introduced.

BCH2020
Introduction to Biomolecules
3 U; 3 Lect.; 1st term
Basic principles of organic chemistry relevant to the understanding of the structures and chemical properties of biomolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids), including their basic constituent molecules and functional groups, will be covered.  Spectroscopic methods for analyses of the structures of  biomolecules will also be discussed. Certain biological functions of these biomolecules will be discussed in relation to their structures and their importance in the living system.

BCH2720
Introduction to Biomolecules Laboratory
2 U; 3 Lab.; 1st term
This laboratory course is designed for beginning students to acquaint themselves with the basic biochemical techniques and methods. The application of these techniques in the study of the structures and properties of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids will be illustrated in the experiments. Quantitative aspects are emphasized whenever applicable.

BCH3010
Bioenergetics
3 U; 3 Lect.; 2nd term
This course introduces the principles of bioenergetics. The following biochemical processes underlying energy transformation in living organisms will be discussed: glycolysis, citric acid cycle, electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid oxidation, photosynthesis and muscle contraction.