Module BIOL2491: BIOCHEMISTRY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL2491: BIOCHEMISTRY

Prerequisites

• • Level 1 Molecules and Cells (BIOL1281)

Corequisites

• • At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences Module

Excluded Combination of Modules

• • None

Aims

• To provide a global view of the functioning of the metabolic network in the cell, through an exploration of catalysis and biochemical pathways in depth.
• To explore relationships between protein structure and function to an intermediate level of knowledge.
• To introduce mathematical analysis of metabolism, and the systems approach to studying biological systems.

Content

• Metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and control of anabolism and catabolism in overlapping pathways.
• Determining and analysing protein structures to deduce structure-function relationships.
• Catalysis by enzymes, and its basis in protein structure; regulation of enzyme activity.
• Metabolic systems, and their analysis.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of examples of metabolic pathways and how they are regulated in a cellular environment.
• Knowledge of how protein structure underlies the functional properties of different proteins.
• Knowledge of how enzyme catalysis works at the biochemical level, and how it may be regulated.
• A basic understanding of how analysis of reactions in metabolic pathways leads to a systems approach to metabolism.

• Interpretation and manipulation of protein structure representations.
• Mathematical analysis of thermodynamics and kinetics of metabolic reactions.
• Analysis of chemical steps in enzyme-catalysed reactions.

• IT skills, in using structure visualisation software tools.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in evolution practical reports.
• Numeracy, in data analysis and calculations.
• Team work, working in small groups in biochemistry practical classes.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

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

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Practical classes allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Practical reports are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in carrying out experimental work and data analysis, as well as key skills.
• Unseen examinations demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge of development, with an emphasis on understanding and communication (essay and problem-based questions) or recall of factual knowledge (multiple choice or short answer question tests).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Work associated with non-summatively assessed practicals / workshops.

■ 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