BIOCHEMISTRY: BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE - 2021/2

Module Overview

In this module students will be taken on a learning journey through protein structure and function, emphasising their importance in the biochemical processes which occur within living cells. Students will explore the contributions of lipid molecules and sugars to cellular ATP production, and will be introduced to the important role that the TCA cycle and electron transport systems have in production of ATP.  Students will undertake practical classes which highlight and develop the concepts taught within the module, and which will enhance their understanding of the key concepts.  

Module provider

School of Biosciences and Medicine

Module Leader

CONNORTON James (Biosc & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

BMS1050

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Proteins and enzymes


• Carbohydrates and glycolysis


• Lipids and oxidation


• TCA cycle


• Electron transport and ATP synthesis

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Data analysis Qualifying condition(s) A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate a deep understanding of the fundamental principles around molecular biochemistry and cellular energy generation.

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• One synoptic practical report


• One exam with multiple choice questions

Formative assessment

Formative assessment will be through online MCQ and within practical classes and formative workshops

Feedback

Feedback will be continuous and linked to formative assessments practical classes and workshops, in depth feedback will be provided on the practical report submission. 

Module aims

• Develop confidence and competence with practical and analytical skills in key biochemical methods.
• Provide a breadth of understanding of the levels of protein structure, and how amino acids infuence the three dimensional folding of protein molecules.
• Provide a breadth of undertsanding of enzyme kinetics and mechanism of reaction.
• Provide a breadth of understanding of the structure and function of lipid molecules and their synthesis, in particular the role of lipids in the generation of cellular energy.
• Provide a breadth of understanding of the use of glucose in glycolysis and the importance of this process in the generation of cellular energy.
• Provide a breadth of understanding of the essential role of the TCA cycle in maximising the yield of cellular enery from biological fuels.
• Provide breadth of understanding of the process of electron transport and its importance in synthesising ATP, in addition to a comparison between light independent photosynthesis and the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Enhance and develop the students understanding of biological reactions as processes and as parts of a larger whole. 

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures


• 2 Practicals


• Inborn errors of metabolism and energy expenditure workshops

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: BMS1030

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.