BIOCHEMISTRY - RECEPTORS AND ENERGY METABOLISM - 2023/4
Module code: BMS3052
Module Overview
This module will address four broad topics, namely Integration of Metabolism, Nuclear Receptors, Bioenergetics and Cell Signaling.
Module provider
School of Biosciences
Module Leader
LYMPANY Penny (Biosciences)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 6
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Workshop Hours: 8
Independent Learning Hours: 52
Lecture Hours: 40
Guided Learning: 10
Captured Content: 40
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
Biochemistry: The molecules of life (BMS1049) or Biochemistry: Understanding the chemistry of life (BMS1054), and Biochemistry: The conceptual overview (BMS1041) and Biochemistry: Enzymes and metabolism (BMS2035).
Module content
- Overview of metabolic pathways and their integration.
- General properties of nuclear receptors.
- Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors (PPAR's): Structure and function.
- Sterol Regulatory Element Binding protein (SREBP): Structure and function.
- Overview of plasma membrane receptors and their downstream actions.
- G-protein coupled receptors (e.g. glucagon receptor).
- Protein kinase receptors (e.g. insulin).
- Link receptor action to physiological conditions such as insulin resistance and cancer.
- Critical thinking and essay-writing workshops.
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 understanding of the taught topics linked to independent extra reading
Thus, the assessment strategy for this module consists of:
- Coursework essay 1: 50% weighting; 1,000-word upper limit (Dr Alfred Thumser)
- Coursework essay 2: 50% weighting; 1,000-word upper limit (Dr Surinder Soond)
Formative feedback & advice will be provided through:
- In-class & online discussions
- In-class polls, e.g. PollEverywhere or Kahoot
- An Assessments Brief
- Coursework guidance
- Essay-focused workshops
- One-to-one advice opportunities
Summative feedback:
- Feedback on essays (written feedback on essay and one-to-one feedback, as requested)
Module aims
- Provide an integrative, whole-body perspective on metabolism and its regulation.
- Provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms which underlie metabolic regulation.
- Provide a comprehensive analysis of the processes involved in the generation of metabolic energy.
- Explain in detail the intracellular signaling pathways activated by the plasma membrane and intracellular receptors
- Provide detailed information about the nature and the role of the second messengers involved in intracellular signaling pathways
- ¿ Discuss the importance of cellular signaling pathways in regulating gene transcription in health and disease.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the integration of metabolic pathways | KC |
| 002 | Understand the key role of nuclear receptors in the control of metabolism, with specific reference to lipids and glucose | KC |
| 003 | Understand the similarities and differences between PPARalpha, PPAR beta/delta and PPARgamma, and SREBP | KC |
| 004 | Identify how plasma membrane and nuclear receptors control cellular metabolism and function | KC |
| 005 | Understand energy metabolism as a biochemical process by which cells obtain and utilize free energy to perform their functions | KC |
| 006 | Identify the role of intracellular signaling pathways activated/initiated by cell surface or intracellular receptors in cell function and response | KC |
| 007 | Understand the key intracellular signaling pathways regulated by receptors and second messengers under physiological and pathological conditions | KC |
| 008 | 8. Demonstrate independent learning and relevant further reading, thus further developing 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
- In-class lectures
- In-class workshops: Critical thinking & essay-writing skills
- In-class and online discussions
- Advised extra reading, including scientific papers and reviews
- One-to-one advice opportunities
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
Other information
Resourcefulness & Resilience: Students will be provided with guidance, both direct (wellbeing & resilience workshop) and indirect (further workshops & tutorials), to further develop their resiliency and reflective skills (Learning Outcome 8).
Digital capabilities: Students will enhance their digital literacy skills throughout the module, building on their learning at levels 4 & 5 (Learning Outcome 8).
Employability: Students will indirectly gain employability skills through the further development and fine-tuning of their critical thinking, literacy and communication skills, building on their learning at levels 4 & 5 (Learning Outcome 8).
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry MSci (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | 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 |
| Biochemistry BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| 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 |
| Veterinary Biosciences 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 2023/4 academic year.