Module BIOL2591: Biomolecules - Structure and Function

Department: Biosciences

BIOL2591: Biomolecules - Structure and Function

Prerequisites

• Level 1 Molecules and Cells (BIOL1281)

Corequisites

• At least one other Level 2 Biosciences module

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To explore relationships between biomolecular structure and function to an intermediate level of knowledge

Content

• Analysis of biomolecular structures (proteins and nucleic acids) to understand relationships between structure and biological function.
• Mechanistic analysis of the six types of enzyme catalysed reactions, including the role of common cofactors.
• Mechanistic and quantitative analysis of enzyme inhibition and regulation.
• Protein-nucleic acid interactions in non-covalent complexes.
• Enzyme catalysis and replication, repair, transcription, translation, including quality control mechanisms.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of how biomolecular structure underlies the functional properties of different proteins and nucleic acids.
• Knowledge of how enzyme catalysis works at a chemical level, and how it may be regulated within cells.
• Knowledge of the contribution of enzymes to the maintenance and decoding of genetic information
• Knowledge of the chemical basis for the stability of specific interactions between different biomolecules important in biological processes (for example, protein-ligand and protein-DNA complexes).

• Interpretation and manipulation of protein and nucleic acid structure representations.
• Analysis of chemical steps in enzyme-catalysed reactions and mechanisms of inhibition of enzyme activity.
• Quantitative analysis of thermodynamics and kinetics of enzyme-catalysed reactions and biomolecular interactions.
• Understanding of experimental methods used to study biomolecular structure and function, including practical work in enzyme assays.

• Numeracy, in data analysis and calculations.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics.
• IT skills, in using structure visualisation software tools and databases of biomolecule structures.
• Team work in practical activities.
• 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 Exercises 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 Exercises are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate.

■ 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