Module manager: Dr Joseph Cockburn
Email: j.j.b.cockburn@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
Normal U/G entry requirements
| BIOC1302 | Introductory Biochemistry: Practical Skills |
| BIOC1303 | Introductory Biochemistry: Problem Solving and Data Handling |
BIOC1015 and BIOC1030 and BIOC1234
This module is not approved as a discovery module
- To provide a basic outline of the structure, function, chemistry and metabolism of biological macromolecules and their contribution to the structure and function of cells.
- To provide training in essay writing.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the structures and functions of the principal macromolecules of cells;
2. Describe the basic structure of, and differences between, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the major organelles and their functions;
3. Describe the structures of proteins, and appreciate the various interactions involved in primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary organisation and be familiar with the structures of biological macromolecules: globular and fibrous proteins, nucleic acids and viruses and be able to relate their structures to their functions;
4. Describe the basis of enzyme catalysis, including enzyme assays, roles of cofactors, and inhibitor actions, and interpret simple enzyme kinetic data;
5. Describe the major metabolic pathways of the cell, their interactions and their regulation with regard to carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogen compounds;
6. Demonstrate an appreciation of cellular energy transformations, the central role of ATP, and the use of ATP for biosynthesis and metabolic work;
7. Describe membrane structure and transport systems, and appreciate how signals are transduced across membranes during cell communication;
8. Describe the structures of DNA and RNA, and the processes and regulation of replication, transcription and translation;
9. Describe photosynthesis and carbon fixation in plants;
10.Describe nitrogen metabolism and fixation;
11.Demonstrate an appreciation of the approaches used to study biochemical processes;
12.Understand the role of chirality in the chemical and physical properties of biological molecules;
13.Appreciate the value of spectroscopic techniques in biochemistry (atomic absorption, molecular spectroscopy, UV, fluorescence);
14.Understand the key concepts of chemistry related to biochemistry: bonding; acid base chemistry, pH, buffers, non-covalent interactions, thermodynamics, kinetics and biochemical energetics;
15.Understand the way in which bioinformatics plays a key role in biochemistry: databases, genomes and proteomes; research biochemical topics from a variety of sources to plan and write an essays.
Managing Knowledge: Sourcing / selecting / interpreting data; Data evaluation / problem solving.
Technical Competence: Laboratory techniques; Experimental design; Accuracy; Analysing data; IT skills.
Managing Self: Planning; Time management.
Managing Interrelationships: Teamwork; Decision taking; Learning from others; Sharing; Receiving critique.
Presentation Skills: Lab report; Oral; Essay; Short exam-type essay answers; Data presentation.
- The structures and functions of the principal macromolecules of cells;
- The basic structure of, and differences between, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the major organelles and their functions;
- The structures of proteins, and appreciate the various interactions involved in primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary organisation and the structures and functions of biological macromolecules: globular and fibrous proteins, nucleic acids and viruses;
- The basis of enzyme catalysis, including enzyme assays, roles of cofactors, and inhibitor actions, and interpretation of simple enzyme kinetic data;
- The major metabolic pathways of the cell, their interactions and their regulation with regard to carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogen compounds;
- Cellular energy transformations, the central role of ATP, and the use of ATP for biosynthesis and metabolic work;
- Membrane structure and transport systems, and appreciate how signals are transduced across membranes during cell communication;
- Structures of DNA and RNA, and the processes and regulation of replication, transcription and translation;
- Photosynthesis and carbon fixation in plants;
- Nitrogen metabolism and fixation;
- The approaches used to study biochemical processes;
- The role of chirality in the chemical and physical properties of biological molecules;
- Spectroscopic techniques in biochemistry (atomic absorption, molecular spectroscopy, UV, fluorescence);
- Key concepts of chemistry related to biochemistry: bonding; acid base chemistry, pH, buffers, non-covalent interactions, thermodynamics, kinetics and biochemical energetics;
- The role of bioinformatics in biochemistry: databases, genomes and proteomes.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 150 | 1 | 150 |
| Private study hours | 450 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 150 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
- 2 hr per 1 hr lecture = 300 hours
- 3.5 hr per essay x 3
- Prep for in-course MCQs x 5
- Prep for Jan and May exams.
Total 442 hours.
In-course assessment.
MCQs delivered via VLE in Semester 1 and 2.
Essays - Semester 1 and 2.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Homework exercises | 10 |
| In-course MCQ | 5 x VLE based MCQ tests (3% each) | 15 |
| In-course Assessment | Essays x 3 (5% each) | 15 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Formative in-course assessment, MCQs delivered via VLE in Semester 1 and 2 and essays in Semester 1 and 2.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1.0 Hrs 30 Mins | 20 |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
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: 27/11/2019
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team