Module BISS2241: METABOLIC BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR GENETICS

Department: BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BISS2241: METABOLIC BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR GENETICS

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop a knowledge in metabolic biochemistry and molecular genetics and to appreciate their dependant relationship.
• The module will include the application of molecular genetics to medical research, forensics, clinical diagnostics and disease treatment as well as providing an overview of biotechnology and its use in human health.
• The biochemistry of selected metabolic pathways important for lipid, nucleic acids and protein metabolism will be studied and links to inherited disease used to illustrate the molecular basis of human disorders.
• Selected genetic/metabolic diseases will be used to describe the underlying molecular biology of the genes involved and how they can be analysed and manipulated for diagnostic and analytical purposes and applied in todays society.

Content

• This module builds on the biochemistry, cell biology and genetics teaching of level 1 (first year).
• The biochemistry of lipid, protein and nucleic metabolism and their links to selected human diseases.
• The genetic foundation laid down on level 1 will be extended and linked to its role in metabolic biochemistry and molecular genetics.
• Important metabolic pathways will be emphasized with appropriate physiological and clinical examples and the role of molecular genetics in these areas as well as in other inherited single gene disorders will be discussed.

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of this module students should have a knowledge of selected aspects of metabolism, an understanding of the clinical uses of molecular biology and be able to describe the molecular basis of selected inherited disorders

• Students should be familiar with techniques to manipulate and characterise cloned DNA.
• They should be able to discuss and communicate the integration of metabolism and genetic disease in a poster presentation

• Students should be able to handle, interpret and present scientific data in a variety of ways.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Theoretical knowledge will be delivered in lectures and practicals.
• Learning knowledge and understanding will be assessed by course work and end of year examinations
• The ability to handle and interpret data will be assessed by practical reports and case study.
• The variety of methods of teaching and assessment will contribute to learning by providing details and rapid feedback.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practical reports, case studies and data handling

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University