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2009/10 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL1111 Macromolecules and Metabolism

20 creditsClass Size: 250

Module manager: Dr P E Millican
Email: P.E.Millican@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2009/10

Pre-requisite qualifications

An acceptable scientific background

Module replaces

BIOC1010

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

Living cells are able to perform a huge variety of different and complex functions essential to life yet 99% of their mass is made up of just common 6 elements. How does this happen? What chemical processes are involved? Where does the energy come from to drive these processes? A level Biology &/or Chemistry is preferred. This module will give you an understanding of how these simple inorganic elements are organised into the large macromolecular structures and polymers (nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides and lipids) which are crucial for life. The importance of chemical structure in determining biological roles is a key theme. You will study the properties and kinetics of enzymes, the biological catalysts which control metabolic processes, and see how energy can be harnessed and utilised through metabolism. The roles of mitochondria and chloroplasts are described as central to energy production. You will also briefly cover the metabolism involved in eliminating a major waste product, nitrogen. 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 1. Examination is through in-course assessment and an end-of-semester examination multiple response question paper.

Objectives

AIMS OF THE MODULE
- to provide a basic outline of the structure, function, and interaction of biological macromolecules, their synthesis
degradation and contribution to the energy metabolism of cells, drawing on examples from bacteria and humans; the
latter associated primarily with disease;
- to enable an acquisition of the skills needed to plan and carry out practical investigations concerning macromolecules,
their metabolism and cellular functions; and to analyse data quantitatively;
- to provide training in problem solving, teamwork, report writing and data presentation skills.

On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of:
- The basic structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the major organelles and their functions, and
understand the differences between them;
- How the basic chemistry of atoms affects the structures and functions of the principal macromolecules of cells;
- How the structures of proteins are formed from the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary organisation, and the
importance of various molecular interactions in maintaining the structures;
- How the structures of proteins relate to their major functions;
- The concepts of reaction rates, equilibria, enzyme catalysis and saturation kinetics (using the Michaelis-Menten
equations), the involvement of cofactors, and effect of inhibitors (such as feedback control);
- How to interpret simple enzyme kinetic data;
- How the structures of carbohydrates relate to their major functions;
- The major metabolic pathways of carbohydrate metabolism (e.g. glycolysis/ gluconeogenesis, glycogen synthesis and
degradation);
- The TCA cycle, electron transfer & respiration, their interactions and connections with anabolic and catabolic pathways;
- Cellular energy transformations, such as between redox energy and ATP synthesis;
- The central role of ATP and the use of ATP for biosynthesis and metabolic work;
- The process of photosynthesis and carbon fixation in plants;
- The process of nitrogen fixation in plants;
- The major routes of nitrogen metabolism in cells;
- How the structures of lipids relate to their major functions;
- The importance of fat metabolism in the provision of cellular energy;
- How pathways of energy metabolism are inter-related;
- The importance of membrane structure in enabling it to perform its various roles, including transport systems, and signalling;
- The structures of DNA and RNA, and the enzymology of replication, transcription and translation;
- The approaches used to study biochemical processes;
- The use of a range of biochemical laboratory equipment and practical techniques;
- How to design simple controlled experiments, and record, analyse and interpret experimental data.

Supporting material could be provided (hopefully on VLE) on molecular structures & functional groups to ensure that all students are familiar with the basic information required for the course.

Skills outcomes
- Critical analysis and interpretation of experimental data;
- Clear and logically written communication of experimental data via lab reports;
- IT skills in presenting lab reports;
- Managing self: planning and organising experiments;
- Gaining confidence in independent work;
- Managing knowledge: sourcing /selecting /interpreting data, data evaluation/problem solving.
- Technical competence: laboratory techniques, experimental design, accuracy;
- Managing interrelationships: teamwork, decision taking, learning from others, sharing, receiving critique;
- Presentation skills.

Syllabus

Chemistry of biological molecules. Amino acids and proteins: physical and chemical properties, purification and structure determination. Enzymes: their properties and kinetics. Metabolic concepts, bioenergetics carbon and nitrogen fixation. Polysaccharides: structure, functions & metabolism. Krebs cycle and mitochondrial electron transport. Bacterial electron transport, photosynthesis and photophosphorylation. Nitrogen metabolism and the urea cycle. Lipids structure, function and metabolism. Regulated use of metabolic energy stores. Nucleic acids: structure and biological roles.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	31	1.00	31.00
Practical	9	3.00	27.00
Private study hours			142.00
Total Contact hours			58.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students should note that the following information is for guidance only.
The actual time required for the various elements will vary between students.
62 hours - lectures;
22 hours - practicals/ in-course MCQ (x 2);
58 hours - examination and preparation.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- non-assessed practicals (contribution/attendance);
- MCQ; 1 x formative and 1 x summative
- practical write-up: 1 x formative, 2 x summative.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	1 x In course MCQ	20.00
Written Work	2 x practical write-up	20.00
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 website

Last updated: 25/05/2010

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