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BIOL2491: BIOCHEMISTRY

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Type	Open
Level	2
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location	Durham
Department	Biosciences

Prerequisites

Level 1 Molecules and Cells (BIOL1281).

Corequisites

At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences module.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

None.

Aims

To provide a global view of the functioning of the metabolic network in the cell, through an exploration of catalysis and biochemical pathways in depth.
To explore relationships between protein structure and function to an intermediate level of knowledge.

Content

Metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and control of anabolism and catabolism in overlapping pathways.
Determining and analysing protein structures to deduce structure-function relationships.
Catalysis by enzymes, and its basis in protein structure; regulation of enzyme activity.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Knowledge of examples of metabolic pathways and how they are regulated in a cellular environment.
Knowledge of how protein structure underlies the functional properties of different proteins.
Knowledge of how enzyme catalysis works at the biochemical level, and how it may be regulated.

Subject-specific Skills:

Interpretation and manipulation of protein structure representations.
Mathematical analysis of thermodynamics and kinetics of metabolic reactions.
Analysis of chemical steps in enzyme-catalysed reactions.

Key Skills:

IT skills, in using structure visualisation software tools.
Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in practical reports.
Numeracy, in data analysis and calculations.
Team work.
Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
Practical Exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
Practical Exercises are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Lectures	24	Weekly	2 hours per week	24
Practical Exercises	3	1-2 per term	4 hours	12	Yes
Workshops	4	2 per term		4	Yes
Tutorials	2	1 per term	1 hour	2	Yes
Preparation & Reading				158
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Practical report		50	Yes
Analytical exercise		50	Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate.

More information

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