Introduction:

Lipids are small biological molecules which are soluble in organic solvents, such as chloroform/methanol, and are sparingly soluble in aqueous solutions. They can be classified in a variety of ways. In one categorization, they can be divided into two majors classes, saponifiable and nonsaponifiable lipids, based on their reactivity with strong bases. Saponifiable lipids contain long chain carboxylic (of fatty) acids, that are linked to an alcoholic functional group through an ester linkage. These fatty acids are released on based catalyzed ester hydrolysis. The nonsaponifiable classes include the "fat-soluble" vitamins (A, E) and cholesterol. Lipids are often distinguished from another commonly used word, fats. Some define fats as lipids that contain fatty acids that are esterified to glycerol.

Course prerequisite:

The student must have a background knowledge of organic chemistry to understand this course 

Learning outcomes :

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

• can explain biochemical structures and functions of all lipid types
• can explain methods of lipid analysis
• can describe and understand how lipid assemble into membranes and accommodate for trans-membrane proteins
• can explain lipid-protein interactions at membranes and their functions
• can describe lipid modification of proteins chemically and functionally
• can explain lipid-mediated signaling and its role in cellular processes
• can describe different lipid-mediated diseases at the molecular level.     

Reccomended books:    

1. Harper's illustrated biochemistry

2. Mukhtar ahmed hashmi's essential biochemistry vol  I

3.   Medical biochemistry voI  I by Dr mushtaq Ahmed 

Exam evaluation:

at the end of the course a two part ( theory&viva) assessment test will be held and the result will add up to the annual assessment of the student