Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027

Module BIOL2491: Metabolism

Department: Biosciences

BIOL2491: Metabolism

Type	Open	Level	2	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2026/2027	Module Cap		Location	Durham

Prerequisites

Level 1 Molecules and Cells (BIOL1281).

Corequisites

At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences module selected from the following list: Ecology BIOL2461, Behaviour BIOL2511, Evolution BIOL2451, Plant Physiology BIOL2571, Cell Signalling BIOL2501, Development BIOL2471, Cell Biology BIOL2481, Molecular Biology BIOL2441, Integrated Physiological Systems BIOL2521, Microbiology BIOL2431, Immune Systems BIOL2421, Biomolecules BIOL2591.

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.
Practicals and a computer based class 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 work is assessed by a report demonstrating subject-specific knowledge and skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours	Attendance Monitored
Lectures	12	Weekly	2 hours per week	24
Practicals	2	1 per term	3 hours	6	Yes ■
Workshops	2	2 in second term	1 hour	2	Yes ■
Tutorials	2	1 per term	1 hour	2	Yes ■
Preparation and Reading				163
Computer Classes	1	1 in second term	3 hours	3	Yes ■
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Report		50%
Commentary		50%

Formative Assessment:

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

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.