BIOCHEMISTRY - A CONCEPTUAL OVERVIEW - 2025/6

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

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

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].

• 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

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

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.

• 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

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 2025/6 academic year.