2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0182 Biochemistry

10 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Linda Forbes
Email: L.J.Forbes@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this module we will look at the chemical structures of common biological molecules and discuss how their structure influences their function. We will explore common analytical techniques used in biology to determine the chemistry of the cell, and look at simple chemical mechanisms to understand how chemical change occurs.

Objectives

This module will give students insight into the molecular environments within the body and how these environments are modelled in the laboratory.

Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes:
This specifies the content that it is expected a student will know (or will have learnt) and the skills explicitly developed during the module. The learning outcomes will relate to the level of the module and will link to the key assessment tasks in the module. Learning outcomes should be specific, measurable, and attainable, and use action verbs. On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the features of the structure of DNA and the role of DNA in the central dogma
2. Describe the structure and function of proteins and describe some of the roles proteins play in the body
3. Write electronic mechanisms for common reactions
4. Perform spectroscopic measurements in a laboratory
5. Investigate methods for mimicking chemical conditions within an organism in the laboratory.
6. Identify the structure of a compound from spectra

Syllabus

The content will cover areas such as:
- Protein Structure
- DNA structure
- Chirality and isomerism
- Buffers and equilibria
- Analytical techniques
- Organic mechanisms
- Introductory thermodynamics

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	2	3.00	6.00
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Practical	3	3.00	9.00
Independent online learning hours			15.00
Private study hours			60.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Independent on-line learning:
Using VLE resources - 15
Private study:
Reading - 12
Working problem sets - 12
Preparing coursework - 12
Revision for examinations - 12
Preparation for practical sessions - 12

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In the first semester coursework will be predominately summative to encourage student engagement with the academic content and with the practice of independent study. In the second semester this scaffolding is removed and the focus shifts to more formative assessment to further develop the appropriate skills as independent learners to support undergraduate study.
General feedback on assignment performance will be posted on Minerva, while individual feedback will also be provided upon marking of assignments. Students will also participate in self and peer review across the foundation year.
Reflection with lecture wrapper activities laboratory sessions and workshops

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	Lab competency	20.00
Written Work	2 x Problem set	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

Due to the developmental and pedagogical nature of some assessments and timings, there is not a viable opportunity to provide a resit for the following: Science mid-terms in the first semester; laboratory sessions provided by external departments, or after a coursework deadline has passed and the model answers have been shared. Students who miss any of these learning opportunities can apply for mitigating circumstances and potentially could be given consideration at the exam board. A minimum attendance standard is expected for lab sessions.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Unseen exam	2 hr	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

Resits for the exam component of the module will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt during the July Resit period, in most cases, or during the next available opportunity. In order to receive credit for a module, the exam should be a pass.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/09/2020

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