Molecular Biology & Biochemistry - BIO00004C

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  • Department: Biology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Setareh Chong
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2017-18

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching cycle
A Autumn Term 2017-18 to Summer Term 2017-18

Module aims

This module deals with the structure and function of fundamental chemical molecules of a cell. It starts with an overview of the module and advanced applications that depend on the subjects covered in the module. It then covers the basic chemical building blocks of cells, from elements to macromolecules. The structure of nucleic acids will be introduced, and its importance to the mechanism of DNA replication. Then, the different levels of protein structure will be defined and protein-protein interactions, covalent modification and the nature of membrane proteins, described. The functionality of proteins as enzymes will be discussed in detail. Following an introduction to lipid and carbohydrate structures, the role of the various macromolecules in the context of membrane flow, cell shape, cytoskeleton, etc. will be discussed. Energy and metabolism is introduced by discussing the important concept of free energy and relating this to the central role of ATP and coupling of biochemical processes. The course then surveys carbohydrate and fat metabolism, photosynthesis and related metabolic processes in plants, and concludes with section on the integration of metabolism.

Module learning outcomes

  • To be able to describe the main chemical components of cells, their structural properties, how these relate to their functions, and how they are altered during cellular processes
  • To be able to describe and explain how covalent and non-covalent interactions bring about the assembly of cellular components and macromolecules
  • To be able to 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
  • To be able to integrate knowledge about heterotrophic metabolism (of carbohydrates & lipids) and phototrophic metabolism and how they relate to energy metabolism via ATP
  • To be able to relate knowledge of biological molecules to health and disease and to their application in biotechnology
  • To be able to apply quantitative approaches to perform basic calculations related to acid-base chemistry, redox reactions, and to analyse and evaluate enzyme kinetics data gathered in practical classes

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
University - closed examination
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Part I		 1.5 hours 50
University - closed examination
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Part II		 1.5 hours 50

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
University - closed examination
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Part I		 1.5 hours 50
University - closed examination
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Part II		 1.5 hours 50

Module feedback

Feedback on your progress is important to your learning process and we return all first and second year work to you after marking for feedback purposes via Biology Student Services in week 9 or 10 of the spring and summer terms. You will be notified by e-mail when your work is ready for collection.

Module marks are made available to both you and your supervisor via your eVision account as soon as the marks are available, by week 6 of the spring term and week 8 of the summer term. You are expected to discuss your performance and progress with your supervisor in your mid-spring term and end of summer term supervisory meetings.

A histogram of all module marks is produced and posted on the examinations notice board outside Biology Student Services.

Specimen answers are posted on the web: by comparing the specimen answers with your own, you should obtain a clear idea of what was expected of you. For each module the markers will also give general feedback on how well the questions were answered and point out any standard errors that students may have made.

Indicative reading

These are available in EARL which is accessible 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.