2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOC3234 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Structural Biology

20 creditsClass Size: 110

Module manager: Dr Anastasia Zhuravleva
Email: A.Zhuravleva@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of year two in Biochemistry or equivalent (e.g. Natural Sciences students on the Biochemistry pathway)

Module replaces

BIOC3221/BIOC3222/BIOC3231/BIOC3232

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Research using biochemical and structural biology can provide crucial information on molecular function which can be applied in a variety of settings. In this module, we will take you into the world of research in these areas and guide you through the most recent advances that extend beyond what was considered textbook knowledge previously. With expert guidance you will delve into research in these areas like you have not done previously.

Objectives

This module will provide learners enrolled on the Biochemistry programme (or equivalent Natural Sciences pathway) the opportunity to advance their understanding of key cutting edge topics from their discipline, going beyond knowledge they will have acquired at levels 1 and 2. The aim is to provide learners with an opportunity to explore more deeply about key advances from biochemical and structural studies whilst also allowing them to see how research progresses and how the knowledge gained can be harnessed. Learners should also build on their ability to critically analyse data presented in papers and draw appropriate conclusions from such data.

Teaching on the module will be split into 5 key topical areas in which learners will receive 6 in-person lectures from experts in their fields. Lecturers will focus on setting out the core content that students should understand, and learners are expected to build upon this through either directed or self-directed learning around the subject. As part of the directed learning activities, learners will be provided with data analysis problems which will build on their learning from the lectures and allow them to apply their knowledge to a research question.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Explain and evaluate the current state of the art in areas related to biochemistry and/or structural biology through scientific writing.
2. Identify knowledge gaps and propose research strategies towards addressing open questions in the field.
3. Critically analyse and draw conclusions from data derived from techniques commonly used in biochemistry and structural biology.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. (Academic/Work-ready) Gather information from a variety of sources and synthesise and critique it in written form for a specified audience.
5. (Work ready) Explain and evaluate how challenge-led research can contribute to developing sustainable solutions to global problems.

Syllabus

Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Structural Biology will be split into 5 topics with each topic comprising of 6 lectures. The specific topics have not yet been determined. Of the topics available from the current ATUs in 2023/24, 5 topics selected from the following are likely a good fit to the module:
1. Enzymes for Biofuels
2. Natural Product Biosynthesis
3. Synthetic Biology
4. Visualising Viruses
5. Protein Dynamics
6. Protein Folding and Disease

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	32	1.00	32.00
Private study hours			168.00
Total Contact hours			32.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

To ensure students have opportunities to receive formative feedback:
• Lecturers may choose to use active-learning components during their lectures to help students assess their level of understanding.
• Students will be provided with formative data analysis questions for each topic and will be able to self-assess their answers following release of model answers.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	Learners will write an essay on one of two topics, allowing learners to demonstrate an application of subject knowledge	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Open Book exam	3 hr	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

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

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:10:35

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