Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025
Module BIOL2491: METABOLISM
Department: Biosciences
BIOL2491: METABOLISM
| Type | Open | Level | 2 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2024/2025 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
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 biochemical pathways and their regulation in depth.
Content
- Metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and control of anabolism and catabolism in overlapping pathways.
- Metabolic pathways of essential nutrients (nitrogen, amino acids, vitamins).
- Integration of metabolism in multicellular systems.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Knowledge of examples of metabolic pathways and how they are regulated in a cellular environment.
- Knowledge of how metabolic status is sensed in complex systems (eg, insulin signalling) and how molecular signals globally regulate metabolism .
Subject-specific Skills:
- Analysis of metabolic pathways, their activity and connectivity using online databases (KEGG, Biocyc).
- Quantitative analysis of thermodynamics of metabolic reactions and pathways.
Key Skills:
- Numeracy, in data analysis and calculations.
- Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in practical reports.
- IT skills, in using online databases of metabolic pathway information.
- 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
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 24 | Weekly | 2 hours per week | 24 | |
| Practical Exercises | 3 | 1-2 per term | 4 hours | 12 | ■ |
| Workshops | 4 | 2 per term | 4 | ■ | |
| Tutorials | 2 | 1 per term | 1 hour | 2 | ■ |
| Preparation & Reading | 158 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Continuous Assessment | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Practical exercise | 50% | Yes | |
| Written exercise | 50% | Yes | |
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