BIOCHEMISTRY - RECEPTORS AND ENERGY METABOLISM - 2022/3
Module code: BMS3052
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic the University has revised its courses to incorporate the ‘Hybrid Learning Experience’ in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information. The University has changed the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes. Further information on the general principles of hybrid learning can be found at: Hybrid learning experience | University of Surrey.
We have updated key module information regarding the pattern of assessment and overall student workload to inform student module choices. We are currently working on bringing remaining published information up to date to reflect current practice during the academic year 2021/22.
This means that some information within the programme and module catalogue will be subject to change. Current students are invited to contact their Programme Leader or Academic Hive with any questions relating to the information available.
Module Overview
This module will address three broad topics, namely Nuclear Receptors, Bioenergetics and Cell Signalling.
Module provider
School of Biosciences and Medicine
Module Leader
THUMSER Alfred (Biosc & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 6
JACs code: C730
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Workshop Hours: 12
Independent Learning Hours: 64
Guided Learning: 24
Captured Content: 50
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: BMS2035 Biochemistry - Enzymes and Metabolism
Module content
Indicative content includes:
• Overview of metabolic pathways and their integration.
• General properties of nuclear receptors.
• Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors (PPAR's): Structure and function.
• Digital skills & essay writing workshop
• Bioenergetics. Basic physical chemistry phenomena. How mitochondria use the energy from substrate oxidation to synthesise ATP. Structure of the electron transport chain. Use of inhibitors, uncouplers and ionophores.
• Oxidative phosphorylation. The chemiosmotic theory. Synthesis of ATP. Molecular architecture of the ATPase. Mitochondrial diseases: Inborn errors of metabolism involving mitochondria.
• Overview of plasma membrane and soluble receptors.;
• G-protein coupled receptors (e.g. glucagon receptor).
• Protein kinase receptors (e.g. insulin).
• Coursework feedback & revision tutorials
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | ESSAY 1 | 50 |
| Coursework | ESSAY 2 | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
Not Applicable
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking, understanding of the taught topics and extra reading
Thus, the assessment strategy for this module consists of:
- Coursework essays (choose 1 essay ):
- Essay 1 (Dr Alfred Thumser)
- Essay 2 (Dr Ian Bailey)
- Essay 3 (Dr Sarah Trinder)
- Final exam (linked to all learning Outcomes) students have choice of one question from three in one hour. The students must answer a question set by a different academic than the coursework, or their exam grade will be capped at 40%.
Formative assessment and feedback:
- Coursework guidance and peer review tutorials
- Feedback on essays (written feedback on essay and one-to-one feedback, as requested)
- Generic post-coursework feedback (on-line)
- Feedback on final exam (written feedback on examscripts, one-to-one feedback, as requested, with generic on-line feedback)
Module aims
- To provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms which underlie metabolic regulation, with a focus on the role of nuclear receptors
- To provide a comprehensive analysis of the processes involved in the generation of metabolic energy
- To give a detailed account of the molecular processes involved in the mechanism of oxidative phosphorylation
- Explain in details the intracellular signalling pathways activated by the plasma membrane and intracellular receptors
- To provide detailed information about the nature and the role of the second messengers involved in intracellular signalling pathways
- To discuss the importance of cellular signalling pathways in regulating gene transcription in health and disease.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the integration of metabolic pathways | KC |
| 2 | Understand the key role of nuclear receptors in the control of metabolism, with specific reference to fatty acids and glucose | KC |
| 3 | Understand the similarities and differences between PPAR¿, PPAR ¿/¿ and PPAR¿ | KC |
| 4 | Identify how plasma membrane and nuclear receptors control cellular function | KC |
| 5 | Understand energy metabolism as the biochemical process by which cells obtain and utilize free energy to perform their functions | KC |
| 6 | Comprehend the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in the synthesis of ATP | KC |
| 7 | Identify the role of intracellular signalling pathways activated/initiated by cell surface or intracellular receptors in cell function and behaviour | KC |
| 8 | Understand in detail the key intracellular signalling pathways regulated by receptors and second messengers under physiological and pathological conditions | KC |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Workshops: Critical thinking & digital literacy (in collaboration with SPLASH & Library)
• Tutorials
• Coursework
• Advised extra reading, including scientific papers and reviews
• “Think-pair-share”
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: BMS3052
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Science MSci (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biochemistry BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biochemistry MSci (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
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 2022/3 academic year.