Module BIOL2381: BIOCHEMISTRY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL2381: BIOCHEMISTRY

Prerequisites

• Molecular Basis of Life.

Corequisites

• At least one other Level 2 Biology module.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To promote an appreciation of pathways in primary metabolism.
• To promote an appreciation of pathways in secondary and drug metabolism.
• To promote an appreciation of regulation and interaction of metabolic pathways.
• To promote an appreciation of the functions of enzymes, proteins, and other biological macromolecules.
• To promote an appreciation of how structure-function relationships control physical, chemical, and biological properties of biological macromolecules.

Content

• Enzymes and how they work.
• Carbohydrate metabolism.
• Lipid metabolism.
• Protein function and analysis.
• Exemplary pathways of secondary and drug metabolism.

Learning Outcomes

• To appreciate examples of metabolic pathways and how they are regulated in a cellular environment.
• Understand the physiological relevance and regulation of metabolism.
• Understand how enzymes catalyze reactions and how their activities are regulated.
• Understand how protein structure determines and regulates their biological function.
• Understand how the structure of other biological macromolecules (polysaccharides, nucleic acids) determines their biological function.

• Interpret and analyze experimental data and scientific literature.
• Date handling, interpretation, and analysis.
• Appreciate how research methods contribute to testing a hypothesis.
• Analysis of data supporting conflicting hypotheses/ideas.

• Application of biochemical principles to metabolic pathways and their regulation in a cell.
• Application of biochemical principles to the function and regulation of biological macromolecules.

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

• Lectures deliver core and specialised knowledge.
• Laboratory work allows students to utilise the knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Unseen examinations measure knowledge and the application and interpretation of that knowledge. They also test key skills in ability to present arguments and communicate them effectively in a concise written form.
• Data Handling Exercises assess data handling, numeracy, critical thinking and presentation skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practical report.

■ 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