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Molecular Biology & Biochemistry - BIO00004C

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  • Department: Biology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Patrick Murphy
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

The module covers the structure and function of fundamental biomolecules of a cell such as nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. The functionality and mechanisms of enzymes will be discussed in detail. Energy and metabolism is introduced by discussing the central role of ATP and coupling of biochemical processes, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, photosynthesis and related metabolic processes in plants, and concludes with a section on the integration of metabolism.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims to provide a strong foundation in molecular biology and biochemistry that will be built upon in subsequent modules. Core biological molecules will be examined with a focus on their structure and function. Teaching will be delivered using a combination of lectures, workshops and practicals. Problem solving and quantitative skills will be developed through complementary workshops using case studies, applications and examples based on lecture content. Experience of biochemical techniques such as chromatography and enzyme kinetics will be gained through practicals. The module will be aseessed by an open exam at the end of the module.

Module learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:

  1. Describe the main chemical components of cells, their structural properties, how these relate to their functions, and how they are altered during cellular processes
  2. Explain theoretical frameworks (such a Michaelis Menten kinetics, the laws of thermodynamics and the chemiosmotic theory) that allow us to understand function of biological molecules and cells
  3. Integrate knowledge about heterotrophic metabolism of carbohydrates & lipids and phototrophic metabolism and how they relate to energy metabolism via ATP
  4. Relate knowledge of biological molecules to health and disease and to their application in biotechnology
  5. Analyse and evaluate enzyme kinetics data

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Online Exam		 6 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Online Exam		 6 hours 100

Module feedback

Marks for all assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Model answers will be provided for all Q&A type of assessments along with cohort-level feedback indicating how students answered questions in general. Individual comments will be added to your script and/or on a separate summary feedback document depending on the question type or assessment type. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.

During the teaching of the module you will receive feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Forms of feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.

Indicative reading

These are available through the VLE module site.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.