2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BIOC1304 Introductory Integrated Biochemistry: the Molecules and Processes of Life
50 creditsClass Size: 110
Module manager: Joseph Cockburn
Email: j.j.b.cockburn@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisite qualifications
Normal U/G entry requirementsCo-requisites
BIOC1302 | Introductory Biochemistry: Practical Skills |
BIOC1303 | Introductory Biochemistry: Problem Solving and Data Handling |
BLGY1115 | Introduction to Cell Biology: from Molecules to Cells and Ti |
Module replaces
BIOC1301: Introductory Integrated Biochemistry: the Molecules and Processes of Life, 60 credits, S3This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module will explore what is considered ‘normal’ physiology in healthy humans at rest and in response to exercise. - You will study key elements defining the response to exercise: pulmonary responses; cardiovascular responses; and muscular performance. - You will learn about how each of these plays a role in determining the integrated response to exercise performance. The module is focussed on the practical assessment of these variables and uses several laboratory-based sessions to develop your practical skills and understanding of how to assess.- Additionally, we will consider alternative field-based tests that may be used when lab-based testing is not possible. - Finally, we will consider issues related to validity and reproducibility of testing methods.Objectives
- To provide a basic outline of the structure, function, chemistry and metabolism of biological macromolecules and their contribution to the structure and function of cells.- To provide training in essay writing.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the structures and functions of the principal macromolecules of cells;
2. Describe the structures of proteins, and appreciate the various interactions involved in primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary organisation and be familiar with the structures of biological macromolecules: globular and fibrous proteins, nucleic acids and viruses and be able to relate their structures to their functions;
3. Describe the basis of enzyme catalysis, including enzyme assays, roles of cofactors, and inhibitor actions, and interpret simple enzyme kinetic data;
4. Describe the major metabolic pathways of the cell, their interactions and their regulation with regard to carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogen compounds;
5. Demonstrate an appreciation of cellular energy transformations, the central role of ATP, and the use of ATP for biosynthesis and metabolic work;
6. Describe membrane structure and transport systems, and appreciate how signals are transduced across membranes during cell communication;
7. Describe the structures of DNA and RNA, and the processes and regulation of replication, transcription and translation;
8. Describe photosynthesis and carbon fixation in plants;
9.Describe nitrogen metabolism and fixation;
10.Demonstrate an appreciation of the approaches used to study biochemical processes;
11.Understand the role of chirality in the chemical and physical properties of biological molecules;
12.Appreciate the value of spectroscopic techniques in biochemistry (atomic absorption, molecular spectroscopy, UV, fluorescence);
13.Understand the key concepts of chemistry related to biochemistry: bonding; acid base chemistry, pH, buffers, non-covalent interactions, thermodynamics, kinetics and biochemical energetics;
14.Understand the way in which bioinformatics plays a key role in biochemistry: databases, genomes and proteomes; research biochemical topics from a variety of sources to plan and write an essays.
Skills outcomes
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 report; Oral; Essay; Short exam-type essay answers; Data presentation.
Syllabus
- The structures and functions of the principal macromolecules of cells;
- The structures of proteins, and appreciate the various interactions involved in primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary organisation and the structures and functions of biological macromolecules: globular and fibrous proteins, nucleic acids and viruses;
- The basis of enzyme catalysis, including enzyme assays, roles of cofactors, and inhibitor actions, and interpretation of simple enzyme kinetic data;
- The major metabolic pathways of the cell, their interactions and their regulation with regard to carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogen compounds;
- Cellular energy transformations, the central role of ATP, and the use of ATP for biosynthesis and metabolic work;
- Membrane structure and transport systems, and appreciate how signals are transduced across membranes during cell communication;
- Structures of DNA and RNA, and the processes and regulation of replication, transcription and translation;
- Photosynthesis and carbon fixation in plants;
- Nitrogen metabolism and fixation;
- The approaches used to study biochemical processes;
- The role of chirality in the chemical and physical properties of biological molecules;
- Spectroscopic techniques in biochemistry (atomic absorption, molecular spectroscopy, UV, fluorescence);
- Key concepts of chemistry related to biochemistry: bonding; acid base chemistry, pH, buffers, non-covalent interactions, thermodynamics, kinetics and biochemical energetics;
- The role of bioinformatics in biochemistry: databases, genomes and proteomes.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lectures | 125 | 1.00 | 125.00 |
Private study hours | 375.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 125.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 500.00 |
Private study
- 2 hr per 1 hr lecture- essay preparation
- Prep for in-course MCQs
- Prep for Jan and May exams.
Total 375 hours.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
In-course MRQ assessments.Essays - Semester 1 and 2.
May exam: 2 x OTLAs MRQs & essay question (1,000 words).
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
In-course MCQ | 2 x In-course MRQ (each worth 15%) | 30.00 |
In-course Assessment | In-course assessed essay x 1 (S1) | 10.00 |
In-course Assessment | In-course assessed essay x 1 (S2) | 10.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 |
Assessed essays in semester 1 & 2 and homework exercises over both semesters.
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Online Time-Limited assessment | 2 hr 30 mins | 25.00 |
Online Time-Limited assessment | 2 hr 30 mins | 25.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 30/03/2023 16:47:17
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