This module is discontinued in the selected year. The information shown below is for the academic year that the module was last running in, prior to the year selected.
2014/15 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
CHEM2180 Chemistry of Life
10 creditsClass Size: 170
Module manager: Dr M E Webb
Email: m.e.webb@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2014/15
Pre-requisite qualifications
Level 1 in Chemistry or equivalentThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to:- describe the shapes of biological polymers and explain the basic principles behind their formation and stability;
- compare the fundamentals of the chemical and biochemical syntheses of these polymers;
- tie together synthesis, shape and function in the context of the central dogma for Life.
Syllabus
This module provides an introduction to the forces that hold biological molecules; proteins and nucleic acids, together. followed by a description of the regular structures these adopt and how these structures are determined (in brief).
The various roles of proteins and nucleic acids will be discussed with an emphasis on the ability of certain biomolecules to catalyse chemical reactions. Both the chemical and (in brief) the biochemical synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids will be covered.
The inter-relation between proteins and nucleic acids will be established by consideration of the central dogma; transcription and translation.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Workshop | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Lecture | 17 | 1.00 | 17.00 |
| Private study hours | 80.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
40 horus - reading and digestion of lecture material20 hours - preparation of workshop material and assessed essay
20 hours - preparation for examination.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Progress will be assessed via workshops at intervals during the course, and by an assessed essay chosen from a selection of essay titles.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | Assessed Essay | 25.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 25.00 | |
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) | 2 hr 00 mins | 75.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 75.00 | |
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 websiteLast updated: 12/01/2015
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD