BIOCHEMISTRY - A CONCEPTUAL OVERVIEW - 2023/4
Module code: BMS1041
Module Overview
In this module students will be taken on a learning journey through protein structure and function, and enzymes to emphasize their importance in the biochemical processes that occur in 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 tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and electron transport systems have in production of ATP. Students will undertake enzyme-based practical to develop and enhance concepts taught within the module.
Module provider
School of Biosciences
Module Leader
KIESSLING Silke (Biosciences)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 4
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 56
Lecture Hours: 40
Laboratory Hours: 4
Guided Learning: 10
Captured Content: 40
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
BMS1049 OR BMS1054
Module content
- Proteins and enzymes
- Carbohydrates and glycolysis Lipids and oxidation
- TCA cycle
- Electron transport and ATP synthesis
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Practical based assessment | Practical Report | 40 |
| Examination Online | Online (Open Book) MCQ Examination - 100 minutes within a 4 hr window | 60 |
Alternative Assessment
Data analysis
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:
- A synoptic practical report [40% weighting].
- A multiple-choice and multiple-answer exam [60% weighting].
Formative feedback & advice will be provided through:
- In-class questions and discussions (lectures, practicals, workshops)
- In-class polls, e.g. PollEveryWhere & Kahoot
- Assessments brief
- Worksheets linked to laboratory practicals
- SurreyLearn tests
- One-to-one advice opportunities
Summative feedback will be provided on the students’ practical report submission.
Module aims
- Provide a breadth of understanding of the levels of protein structure, and how amino acids influence the three-dimensional folding of protein molecules; enzyme kinetics and reaction mechanisms.
- Provide a breadth of understanding of the structure and function of lipid molecules, their synthesis and utilization.
- 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 tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in maximizing the yield of cellular energy from biological fuels.
- Provide breadth of understanding of the process of electron transport and its importance in synthesizing ATP through the mitochondrial electron transport chain.
- Develop confidence and competence with practical and analytical skills in key biochemical methods.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Describe protein structure and it is related to protein function | KC |
| 002 | Define and discuss enzymes, enzyme kinetics and mechanisms to enhance enzyme-catalyzed reactions | KC |
| 003 | Discuss the importance of carbohydrates and their metabolism | KC |
| 004 | Discuss the synthesis, breakdown and metabolic roles of lipids. | KC |
| 005 | Discuss the central role of the TCA cycle within cellular metabolism and its importance in energy (ATP) generation | KC |
| 006 | Discuss the role of Electron Transport Chain (ETC) and ATP Synthase in ATP generation. | KC |
| 007 | Undertake and discuss experiments to determine Km, Vmax, and inhibition characteristics | KCPT |
| 008 | Generate a laboratory report that demonstrates data analysis skills and critical understanding of relevant topics | KCPT |
| 009 | Demonstrate independent learning and relevant further reading to further develop scientific and critical thinking skills | KPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
- Enhance and develop the students understanding of biochemical compounds and reactions, and their importance in homeostasis.
- To further develop students’ critical thinking, data analysis, writing and communication skills.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Practicals
- 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: BMS1041
Other information
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Resourcefulness & Resilience: Students will be provided with guidance, both direct (wellbeing & resilience workshop) and indirect (further workshops & tutorials), to further develop their resilience and reflective skills (Learning Outcomes 8 & 9). Sustainability: This pillar may be addressed indirectly in workshop discussions. Lectures will discuss sustainable energy sources such as biofuels and the production of useful products from waste (Learning Outcome 3). Digital capabilities: Students will enhance their digital and literacy skills throughout the module, in particular through data analysis and demonstration of critical thinking in their reports as well as the final exam (Learning Outcome 8). Employability: Students will indirectly gain employability skills through the development of their data analysis, critical thinking, literacy and communication skills, which will be further developed at levels 5 & 6 (Learning Outcomes 8 & 9).
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Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry MSci (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biochemistry BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Science MSci (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Microbiology BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | 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 2023/4 academic year.