BIO4043 - Molecular Biochemistry

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Explain the structure and function of amino-acids, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides (DNA and RNA), peptides, proteins and other biologically relevant molecules.
Summarise, compare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic processes of transcription, translation and DNA repair.
Understand the structure and key functions of the major molecular components in living systems (including macromolecular & enzymes).
Discuss the principles of bioenergetics and mechanisms for ATP production.
Use practical techniques to measure biochemical and molecular biology components and/or their activity.
Outline the key metabolic pathways involved in catabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.

Content:

Students will gain an understanding of the main macromolecules in the body, an introduction to metabolism and how cells generate energy from the breakdown of carbohydrates. The module introduces the concept of cell signalling, focusing on the key role played by enzymes.

This module will also introduce students to some of the fundamental processes underpinning genetics. It will cover how information is transmitted through transcription and translation and how DNA is repaired, and compare these processes between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

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 and Genetics, including structure and function of biologically important molecules, including DNA, RNA and proteins; molecular events that govern cell function; structure and function of genes and the principles of their inheritance.

- Clinical Laboratory Specialisms for Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Genetics, 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 20 x 2h lecture sessions covering the key concepts of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology will be used. A total of 9 x 2h laboratory practical sessions plus 1 x 2h computer practical session will be used to introduce students to key biochemical and molecular biology techniques. A total of 10 x 1h tutorials will be used to support the Lecture teaching plus assessments.

Lectures
Hours: 40
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort

Practical sessions
Hours: 18
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort

Computer Practical session
Hours: 2
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort

Tutorials
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Max 20

Guided independent study
Hours: 230

Further details 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 Practical techniques portfolio will be set at the start of Semester 2, with students informed which practical sessions undertaken during the module have been selected. The assessment is based on students 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 students will be required to complete the answers to the questions plus data analysis as guided independent study and then submit a portfolio of the completed work from all of the selected practical sessions mid-semester 2.

The Molecular Biochemistry Exam will take place as a closed book examination at the end of Semester 2 and will involve students being set a series of questions about the key aspects of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology covered in the lecture and practical teaching.

Other Information
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) professional body requires students to achieve a pass mark in all assessment components for modules that cover the clinical laboratory sciences subject areas including this one. Since laboratory practical sessions contribute towards assessments these sessions should be considered compulsory. Condonement/compensation will not be permitted for this module, that contributes significantly to the benchmark statement and have learning outcomes that students achieve that cannot be evidenced elsewhere for the accreditation of the degree.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Nathaniel Milton
Level - 4
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2

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