2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL1112 The Molecules of Life

10 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Glyn Hemsworth
Email: G.R.Hemsworth@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A-level (or equivalent) in Biology

This module is mutually exclusive with

BLGY1115	Introduction to Cell Biology: from Molecules to Cells and Ti
FOBS1135	The Basis of Life

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The Molecules of Life aims to provide our students with a firm understanding of the molecular biology of the cell. Starting from simple chemical principlies, students will learn about the relationship between structure and function in the cell and the molecular basis for cellular function.

Objectives

This module aims to provide learners with a grounding in the molecules of life going from the atomic scale up to macromolecular structure and function. There will be some revision of concepts from A-level, which will be built upon to provide up to date understanding of macromolecular structure and function that will be needed as learners progress through their programmes of study.

Teaching on the module will be shared with FOBS1135. FOBS1135 is a 20 credit module that is split into 9 learning units focussed on key aspects of molecular, macromolecular or cellular function. Learners enrolled on BIOL1112 will cover a subset of this content as required by their programme of study. Core content will be provided to learners through pre-recorded lectures which will be augmented with in-person workshops throughout the semester. There will be one workshop for every two hours of pre-recorded content. In these workshops learners will be provided with opportunities to assess their level of understanding whilst also gaining more in-depth knowledge from the lecturers that are expert in the topics being covered.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Distinguish between the major macromolecules and recognise their building blocks.
2. Explain the relationship between the structure of macromolecules and the function to which they are put in the cell.
3. Explain how key biological processes are driven by molecules and their behaviours.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. Demonstrate the ability to take a logical approach to the analysis and solving of problems.

Syllabus

BIOL1112 will cover a subset of the content delivered in FOBS1135, based on the following topics:
• The chemistry of life
• From genes to proteins
• Protein structure and function
• Membranes and signalling
• Enzymes
• Bioenergetics and Metabolism
• Cytoskeleton and the cell cycle

Each learning unit will consist of 2 to 6 hours of pre-recorded content with an on-campus workshop scheduled for every 2 hours of pre-recorded content.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	23	1.00	23.00
Seminar	13	1.00	13.00
Private study hours			64.00
Total Contact hours			36.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be provided with formative MRQs for each learning unit with automated feedback allowing them to practice and evaluate their understanding throughout the module.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	Students will answer MRQs allowing them to demonstrate their learning from the content delivered on the module. Student numbers are large and so will be online, open-book. This should take place during the January exam period.	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

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: 29/04/2024 16:10:43

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