2015/16 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL1112 The Molecules of Life

10 creditsClass Size: 190

Module manager: Dr Thomas Edwards
Email: t.a.edwards@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

Module replaces

BIOL1111 Macromolecules and Metabolism & BIOC1000 Chemistry for the Life Sciences

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

Living cells are able to perform a huge variety of different and complex functions, yet 99% of their mass is made up of just common 6 elements.

This module will cover areas of Chemistry that are of direct relevance to the understanding of biological processes and provide an understanding of how simple inorganic elements are organised into the large macromolecular structures and polymers (nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides and lipids) that are crucial for life.

The importance of chemical structure in determining biological roles is a key theme. You will study the properties and kinetics of enzymes, the biological catalysts that control metabolic processes.

On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of:
- the basic chemistry of atoms and how this affects the structures and functions of the principal macromolecules of cells;
- how the structures of proteins are formed with regard to their primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary organisation, and the importance of various molecular interactions in maintaining the structures;
- how the structures of proteins relate to their major functions;
- the concepts of reaction rates, equilibria, enzyme catalysis and saturation kinetics (using the Michaelis-Menten equations),the involvement of cofactors, and effect of inhibitors (such as feedback control);
- how to interpret simple enzyme kinetic data;
- how the structures of carbohydrates relate to their major functions;
- the structures of DNA and RNA, and the enzymology of aspects of their replication, transcription and translation.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of:
- the basic chemistry of atoms and how this affects the structures and functions of the principal
macromolecules of cells;
- how the structures of proteins are formed with regard to their primary, secondary, tertiary and
quaternary organisation, and the importance of various molecular interactions in maintaining the
structures;
- how the structures of proteins relate to their major functions;
- the concepts of reaction rates, equilibria, enzyme catalysis and saturation kinetics (using the Michaelis-
Menten equations),the involvement of cofactors, and effect of inhibitors (such as feedback control);
- how to interpret simple enzyme kinetic data;
- how the structures of carbohydrates relate to their major functions;
- carbon and nitrogen fixation;
- the structures of DNA and RNA, and the enzymology of aspects of their replication, transcription and
translation.

Syllabus

- Introduction to Biochemistry
- Chemistry of biological
- Amino acids
- Chemistry of biological interactions
- Amino acids and the peptide bond
- Protein structure-function
- Protein separation techniques
- Introduction to enzymes
- Introduction to Ethics
- Carbohydrate structure and function
- Carbon fixation
- Nitrogen fixation
- Nitrogen metabolism + urea cycle
- Molecular structure of DNA
- Genome organisation and replication
- Structure of RNA
- Gene expression.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
In Course Assessment	5	1.00	5.00
Drop-in Session	5	1.00	5.00
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Private study hours			70.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Students should note that the following information is for guidance only. The actual time required for the various elements will vary between students.
- 2 hours of self-study perlectuure (40 hours)
- 30 hours - examination and coursework preparation.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Student attendance at lectures will be monitored in line with standard faculty practice.
- Completion of coursework MCQs and exam.
- Engagement with VLE resources.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	2 x summative MCQ	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 30 mins	80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 09/07/2013

Disclaimer

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