This module introduces you to the structures and reactions of the different biomolecules present in living organisms, which include DNA and Nucleic Acids. The structure of DNA, its properties, components and replication process are discussed in detail. You will also learn about the orientations of the component molecules of DNA, which give DNA its double-helix form and the sequences of the DNA base pairs.

This module discusses the molecular structures of some large biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins and lipids, and the possible variations in their structures and properties, both naturally and by chemical reactions in the laboratory. In this module, you will learn about the folding and unfolding of proteins in the laboratory and chemical synthesis of some non-naturally occurring nucleobases.

This module describes the organic synthesis of pyrimidine and purine nucleobases as well as different methods to synthesize derivatives of the nucleobases, which have applications in the pharmaceutical industry. You will see how prebiotic chemistry has been simulated in the laboratory and how the nucleus has evolved from the primordial soup. Then, you will see how nucleosides and nucleotides can be synthesized and finally, how automated solid phase synthesis can create Oligonucleotides.

This module describes how DNA duplicates itself within a biological cell and then compares that process with the simplified process of DNA replication in the laboratory. You will be able to appreciate the problems associated with mimicking the DNA replication process that occurs within eukaryotic cells. You will also be able to understand how the PCR machine replicates DNA using fewer ingredients and less time.

This module briefly revisits Sanger's method of DNA Sequencing before moving on to the Maxam-Gilbert method. This module also covers some numerical problems as well as some problems related to chemical synthesis of biomolecules.

In this module, you will learn about the causes and chemistry of DNA damage and lesion formation, which often leads to mutation of the genome and cancer. You will learn about the structural changes that the DNA undergoes under various conditions, especially exposure to UV radiation. You will also see how DNA repairs itself.

This assessment enables you to review your learning so you can determine your knowledge and understanding of Modules 1 to 6 in the following course: • Advanced Diploma in Biomolecules: Nucleic Acids and Peptides

In this module, you will learn how proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, in two distinct steps; transcription and translation. You will also learn about the different biomolecules involved in these two processes, including mRNA, tRNA and rRNA.

In this module, you will learn about the role of the ribosome in Protein Synthesis and you will be introduced to codons. Next, you will learn about the sequencing of the proteins using various methods, such as Sanger's method, Edman Degradation method and Chromatography.

In this module, you will learn about the synthesis of peptides, why they need to be synthesized and the different ways in which peptide sequences are used in therapeutics. You will learn how and when peptides are synthesized in the solution phase and/or in the solid phase. You will also learn about some spectroscopic techniques, such as UV, fluorescent and mass spectrometry, NMR and infrared spectroscopy, which are very commonly used to study various properties and functions of biomolecules.

In this module, you will learn about the most widely used modern techniques for purification, separation and characterization of biomolecules, which aid in their study. These techniques include HPLC, chromatography, electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. You will also learn about molecular probes and how they are used to track a target biomolecule to study its details.

In this module, you will learn about the synthesis of artificial oligonucleotides, such as PNA and LNA, which serve as molecular probes. You will see how and why they are used, how they differ from and interact with DNA in cells. You will also learn about carbohydrates and their role in cellular activities, including the types of carbohydrates, their structures, chemistry and how they are synthesized in the laboratory. You will also be introduced to some well-known chemical reactions.

This module is about the chemistry of carbohydrates, particularly polysaccharides and their nanoparticles. You will learn how aldose sugars can be converted to ketose, how polysaccharides such as heparin, alginic acid and chitin can be extracted from natural sources and how nanoparticles can be synthesized and used in medicine. You will also learn about the multiple advantages of polysaccharides and their nanoparticles in medicine and chemical biology.

This assessment enables you to review your learning so you can determine your knowledge and understanding of Modules 6 to 12 in the following course: • Advanced Diploma in Biomolecules: Nucleic Acids and Peptides