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2009/10 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BIOL1201 The Biochemistry of Cells and Organisms
20 creditsClass Size: 123
Module manager: Dr M Fry
Email: M.Fry@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2009/10
Pre-requisite qualifications
An acceptable scientific background and normally successful completion of BIOC1101. A level Chemistry and A level Biology are advantageous, but not essential.Pre-requisites
| BIOL1111 | Macromolecules and Metabolism |
Module replaces
BIOC1020This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module will give you an understanding of cell structure and function from a biochemical perspective. Topics covered include: Cell membranes & structure, cell motility, cell-cell interaction and cell signalling, cell-cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix, cell interactions in development, neural biochemistry, gut nutrient absorption, biochemistry of the liver, blood and the immune system, cancer biology, carbohydrate metabolism in health & disease, fat and cholesterol metabolism. Practical classes for this module will provide you with experience of biochemical laboratory techniques and the skills of data analysis and interpretation.Teaching of this 20-credit module is through lectures and practical classes and problem-solving exercises. It runs throughout Semester 2.Examination is through in-course assessment and an end-of-semester examination multiple response question paper.Objectives
On completion of this module, students will be able to:- understand the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the role of cell organelles therein, including methods for their isolation and study;
- appreciate the biological and physico-chemical properties of biological membranes, models of biological membranes, and the properties and roles of lipid and protein components therein; understand aspects of membrane transport including an appreciation of receptors and cell signalling events;
- understand the basis of flagellar movement in bacteria in comparison to cilia movement in eukaryotic cells, including microtubullar structure and the role of dynein and organelle movement along microtubules;
- understand cell-cell interactions, their interactions with the external matrix, and event occurring in cell development;
- understand the biochemistry of neural synapses and signal transmission;
- understand aspects of nutrient absorption and uptake from the gut, and the role of microflora in the gut;
- understand some of the biochemistry of the liver, including the Urea Cycle, nitrogen metabolism and excretion, transamination, drug toxicity and drug hydroxylations, haem degradation and bilirubin excretion;
- understand the main components of the blood, the immune system and its response to bacterial and viral challenge;
- understand the main elements of cancer biology, proto-oncogenes and tumour-suppressor genes, mutations causing loss of cell-cycle control, mutations affecting genome stabilities, antibody therapy and viral-induced cancers;
- understand the basis of the general regulatory aspects of metabolism of opposing pathways and key enzymes with particular reference to the interrelations of glucose and glycogen metabolism and the importance of glycogen turnover in different nutritional states;
- understand the basis of regulation of glycogen metabolism by hormones, including the role of insulin and the diabetic state, protein kinase structure and function, reversible phosphorylation and the concept of second messengers;
- understand the basis of regulation and control of key enzymes, end-product inhibition and phosphorylation, interrelationships of metabolic pathways and the importance of the fed and starved state;
- appreciate the metabolism of fats, aspects of triacylglycerol synthesis and transport and hormonal control;
- understand aspects of lipoprotein and cholesterol transport, involvement of cholesterol in atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolaemia, metabolic and functional aspects of arachidonic acid and prostaglandins, and the basis of lipid storage diseases;
- demonstrate an appreciation of the approaches used to study biochemical processes;
- use a range of biochemical laboratory equipment and practical techniques;
- design simple controlled experiments and record, analyse and interpret experimental data.
Skills outcomes
- Managing Knowledge: sourcing / selecting / interpreting data, data evaluation / problem solving.
- Technical Competence: laboratory techniques, experimental design, accuracy, analysing data, IT-skills.
- Managing Self: planning
- Time management
- Managing Interrelationships, Teamwork: decision taking, learning from others, sharing, receiving critique.
- Presentation skills: lab reports.
Syllabus
Cell structure and function from a biochemical perspective, including the structures and functions of proteins and biological membranes, metabolism in health and disease, cell movement and interaction, biochemistry of the liver and nervous system, immunity. Practical experience of biochemical laboratory techniques, data analysis and interpretation.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 33 | 1.00 | 33.00 |
| Practical | 6 | 3.00 | 18.00 |
| Private study hours | 149.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 51.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- practical class participation and attendance- in course MCQ x 3
- practical x 3 assessed.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course MCQ | 1 formative + 1 summative in-course mcq | 10.00 |
| Practical Report | 1 formative + 1 summative full report practical | 20.00 |
| In-course Assessment | 1 on-line exercise | 10.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 | |
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 | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 | |
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: 18/02/2010
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