Module BIOL3671: Advanced Biochemistry

Department: Biosciences

BIOL3671: Advanced Biochemistry

Prerequisites

• One of BIOL2491 Metabolism OR BIOL2591 Biomolecules - Structure and Function AND one of BIOL2441 Molecular Biology OR BIOL2501 Cell Signalling.

Corequisites

• At least one other Level 3 Biosciences module

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• Advanced level study of biomolecular processes involved in cellular function and molecular communication in representative organisms.
• Comparison of biomolecules and biochemical processes between cell types and under changing environmental conditions.

Content

• Molecular mechanisms used to sense nutrient status, for example, metal ions/inorganic carbon and the metabolic changes that arise.
• Metabolic and molecular differences between healthy versus unhealthy cells, for example tumour cells.
• Metabolic and molecular adaptations of life under different conditions.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge of molecular sensory mechanisms to respond to nutrient status.
• Advanced knowledge of metabolic pathways used to survive in the absence of oxygen.
• Advanced knowledge of link between genetics and cellular phenotype.
• Advanced knowledge of biomolecular structure and altered function mutations.

• To be able to link mutations in protein sequence to effects on function allowing adaptation to growth conditions and responses to environmental cues.
• To be able to use quantitative analytical skills to understand energy availability in different environment.
• To be able to analyse complex metabolic systems and describe how these relate to growth and survival of a cell under specified conditions.

• Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
• Data analysis, in interpretation and critical analysis of data relevant to stress responses.
• 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.
• Tutorials/workshops support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific and self-motivation.
• Unseen examinations demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge of development, with an emphasis of understanding and communication (essay and problem-based questions).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Two formative examination exercises of 1 hour each

■ 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