BIO4035 - Molecular Biochemistry

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

LO1 - Explain the structure and function of amino-acids, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides (DNA and RNA), peptides, proteins and other biologically relevant molecules.

LO2 - Discuss the principles of bioenergetics and mechanisms for ATP production.

LO3 - Use practical techniques to measure biochemical and molecular biology components and/or their activity.

LO4 - Outline the key metabolic pathways involved in catabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.

Content:

You will gain an understanding of the main macromolecules present in the human body, in addition to an introduction to metabolic processes including how cells generate energy from the breakdown of carbohydrates. Furthermore, the module introduces the concept of cell signaling, with a specific emphasis on the pivotal role played by enzymes.

The content of this module has been mapped to the IBMS QAA Benchmark requirements for:
- Biochemistry, including key chemical principles relevant to biological systems; structure and function of biological molecules; biochemistry of processes which support life, including cellular metabolism and its control.

- Molecular Biology, including structure and function of biologically important molecules, including DNA, RNA and proteins; molecular events that govern cell function.

- Clinical Laboratory Specialisms for Clinical Biochemistry, which are introduced in the module.

- Bioinformatics and systems biology, including use of appropriate computational tools and algorithms.

Learning and Teaching Information:

A series of 10 x 2 hr lecture sessions (1 per week) covering the key concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology.
A total of 4 x 2 hr laboratory practical sessions, in addition to 1 x 2 hr computer practical session will be delivered to introduce students to key biochemical and molecular biology techniques using both wet lab and computational methodologies.
A total of 10 x 1 hr tutorials (1 per week) will be provided to support the lecture and practical content, assessments, and general wellbeing.

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort (40)

Practical sessions
Hours: 8
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort (40)

Computer lab sessions
Hours: 2
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort (40)

Tutorials
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Max 20

Guided independent study
Hours: 110

Further detail relating to assessment

Post lecture, tutorial and practical session activities submitted through Moodle will facilitate ongoing formative assessment opportunities via lecturer or peer feedback.

The Integrated Practical portfolio assessment will be set at the start of Semester 2 as part of an integrated assessment (linked to the Level 4 Professional Skills plus Microbiology & Genetics modules). You will be informed which practical sessions undertaken during these modules have been selected to be part of this assessment. The assessment is based on you answering technical questions, and analysing data generated in each of the selected practical sessions. Questions and data to be analysed will be set as part of each of the selected practical sessions, and you will be required to complete the answers to the questions, plus data analysis as guided independent study. The portfolio of the completed work from all of the selected practical sessions will be submitted at the end-semester 2.

The Written exam will take place as a closed-book exam at the end of Semester 2 and will involve you being set a series of questions about the key aspects of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology covered in the lecture and practical teaching.

Assessment:

001 Practical Portfolio; 1500 words; End of semester 2 50%
002 Written exam; 60 min; End of semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Kerrie Smith
Level - 4
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2

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