This module is not currently running in 2025 to 2026.
The aim of this module is to teach the fundamental biochemistry principles and acquire basic biochemistry laboratory skills. This covers the following elements:
a) Introduction to biochemistry, including basic understanding of the importance of amino-acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids in biology. The emphasis will be on the chemical properties and three-dimensional structure of these molecules in relationship to their biological function
b) Protein structure and stability
b) Methods for purifying and studying proteins.
c) Protein Function
d) Introduction to basic functions and types of metabolism and how it is controlled in cells.
The following teaching methods will be utilized. Lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars and private study.
The primary mode of delivery will be 2 hour lectures ( over 2terms). Additionally there will be five 3 hour laboratories and two 3 hour seminars.
Lectures serve to deliver the core material directly related to themes shown in the curriculum synopsis and help the students achieve the subject specific learning outcomes.
The laboratory practicals serve to reinforce concepts introduced in the lectures and also serve to help the students achieve both the subject specific learning outcomes and the generic learning outcomes.
Seminars serve to consolidate the material and help the students achieve the subject specific learning objectives.
Private study (revision) is student driven and serves to consolidate understanding and help students achieve both subject selective learning outcomes and generic learning outcomes.
This module will be assessed by 50% laboratory report (1000 words) and 50% exam.
Garrett RH & Grisham CM 2012 Biochemistry Brookes/Cole
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to the following:
Develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the structure of the four principal biological molecules: amino-acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids.
Develop a fundamental understanding of the principal functions of principal biological molecules in biological systems
Develop a knowledge and understanding of basic functions of enzyme activity
Develop a basic knowledge about enzyme function and how it is controlled by pH, substrate and inhibitors
Develop a understanding and give examples of the of the various types of metabolism and describe how metabolism is controlled in the cell
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to the following:
Develop practical laboratory based skills.
Develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and correctly interpret data.
Develop an ability to present and communicate data.
Develop an ability to obtain and use information from a variety of sources as part of self-directed learning.
Develop time-management and organisational skills within the context of self-directed learning.
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