Module manager: Joseph Cockburn
Email: j.j.b.cockburn@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
A-level chemistry
| BIOL1112 | The Molecules of Life |
| FOBS1135 | The Basis of Life |
BIOC1304
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Proteins are the workhorses of the cell. This module explores the molecular structure and function of proteins, how these are studied, how cells make proteins, how proteins fold and what happens when this goes wrong in devastating diseases. Post-requisite module(s): A pass in the present module will be required for Second year Biochemistry modules
The aim of this module is to build on the basic knowledge gained in semester one, to develop the molecular-level knowledge and understanding of genome replication, gene expression, protein structure and folding required for biochemistry students. The module will be mainly lecture based with tutorials running alongside to explore the course material in more depth.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the structures of proteins, explain how and why they fold and how their structures relate to their functions
2. Explain how protein structure and function can be studied using a variety of techniques
3. Describe the structure and functions of nucleic acids
4. Explain the processes and regulation of DNA replication, transcription and translation
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
5. To apply knowledge to solve new problems (academic, work ready)
6. To analyse and interpret scientific data (academic, technical)
This module will cover the following topics
- The chemical structures and physiochemical properties of amino acids (chirality, charge, pKa), polypeptide structure, the amide plane, dihedral angles and the Ramachandran plot.
- Hierarchy of protein structure (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary), the interactions that stabilise them; motifs, folds, the structures of fibrous and globular proteins, membrane proteins.
- Preparative protein biochemistry: SDS-PAGE, protein purification by affinity, ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography.
- UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and how they can be used to study biological macromolecules.
- The molecular structures of nucleotides, DNA and RNA. Hierarchy of genome organisation in the nucleus. DNA replication in bacteria and eukaryotic cells.
- The process of transcription in bacteria and its regulation. The lac operon of gene regulation. Transcription in eukaryotic cells and its regulation.
- mRNA splicing. mRNA translation by the ribosome.
- Anfinsen’s experiments on protein folding and the protein folding problem. Levinthal’s paradox. Kinetics and thermodynamics of protein folding. The protein folding pathway: cooperativity, intermediates, chaperone action. Protein misfolding diseases.
- Methods for studying the structure and dynamics of proteins and other biological macromolecules: X-ray crystallography, NMR, AFM, mass spectrometry.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 33 | 1 | 33 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 165 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 35 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
This module will provide continual formative feedback via in-class active learning from in-person teaching. A formative coursework exercise with a timetabled feedback session will prepare students for the summative coursework exercise. Revision question banks will be provided for all topics in the same style as the end-of-module summative assessment. A revision session with a timed element and formative feedback against learning outcomes will be provided in the lead-up to the end-of-module exam.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Coursework | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1.0 Hrs 30 Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 1/31/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team