Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027
Module BIOL3671: Advanced Biomolecules
Department: Biosciences
BIOL3671: Advanced Biomolecules
| Type | Open | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2026/2027 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
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 selected from the following list: Advanced Topics in Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour BIOL3561, Conservation Biology BIOL3551, Ecology in the Anthropocene BIOL3541, Advanced Topics in Development BIOL3521, Stress and Responses to the Environment BIOL3491, Crops for the Future BIOL3611, Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering BIOL3531, Ageing BIOL3591, Advanced Cell Biology BIOL3481, Biology of Disease BIOL3621, Genomics BIOL3651, Cellular Biochemistry BIOL3601.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To study the structure and function of protein and nucleic acid biomolecules at an advanced level.
- To describe experimental and computational approaches to study, design, and engineer biomolecules.
Content
- Molecular motors.
- Nucleic acid dynamics and sequencing.
- Structure and function of RNA molecules in biological systems.
- Protein structure prediction and design using computational methods (including AI).
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- To understand applications of protein design to biological systems, including host-microbe interactions.
- To understand the diversity of RNA structures and explain how structure is linked to function.
- Familiarity with a range of techniques used to study biomolecular function.
Subject-specific Skills:
- To be able to explain and analyse nucleic acid structure, dynamics, and function.
- To be able to interpret computational protein structure predictions.
- To be able to analyse and explain quantitative data related to DNA sequencing and biomolecule structure and function.
- Development of coding skills (with AI assistance when appropriate)
Key Skills:
- Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
- Data analysis, in interpretation and critical analysis of data.
- 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 support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
- Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific and self-motivation.
- Examination demonstrates achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge of development, with an emphasis of understanding and communication (problem-based questions).
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 24 | Weekly | 2 hours per week | 24 | |
| Workshops | 2 | Termly | 2 hours | 4 | Yes ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 170 | ||||
| Q and A Session | 1 | 2 | |||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Online Examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Two formative examination exercises of 1 hour each
■ 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.