Module manager: Julie Aspden
Email: j.aspden@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| BIOC1202 | Introductory Skills in Biochemistry |
| BIOC2241 | Biochemistry for Natural Sciences |
BIOC2302/BIOC2303
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This will be the intermediate “Skills” module for Biochemists. The module will build on the core laboratory molecular biology skills developed in Semester 1 (i.e. design, execution and analyses of data derived from hypothesis driven experiments) and apply these to answer more complex biochemistry-focussed questions. The module will involve the integration of computational and wet-lab approaches to tackle biochemical scientific questions. The module will involve developing skills in i) analysis of complex data sets, using statistical methods, ii) data interpretation and critical evaluation of data.
i) to build competency in designing and planning experiments.
ii) to enhance competency in laboratory skills required for biochemists.
iii) to enhance competency in numerical manipulation, statistical analysis and interpretation of data commonly generated in biochemistry experiments.
iv) to further develop the ability to formulate and produce coherent and illustrated laboratory reports, building a foundation for Level 6.
v) to continue to learn how to communicate scientific results effectively both in written and oral formats.
vi) to improve confidence in problem solving and teamwork.
Laboratory skills will be developed in the practical classes, scaffolded by the experimental investigation of biochemical principles introduced in lectures and supported by academics, and post-graduate demonstrators.
Scientific writing will be extending the techniques and skills required to write formal laboratory research reports. Effective scientific communication skills will also be developed by presentations of data.
Students will further consolidate and develop their skills in more advanced numerical manipulation, data analysis and interpretation focussed on biochemical problem sets in the small group sessions and working in groups to tackle experimental problems.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Design and execute both computational and wet lab experiments to test biochemical hypotheses based on scientific literature.
2. Plan appropriate controls and use them to trouble shoot experiments.
3. Analyse data using appropriate analytical tools and appropriate statistical tests.
4. Interpret and critically assess a variety of experimental data.
5. Produce effective written and oral presentations of biochemical data in broader context of scientific literature.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Practical | 10 | 6 | 60 |
| Seminar | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 131 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 69 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
We will provide formative feedback during tutorials and workshops:
A) Data handling
Students will perform formative data exercises in tutorials and get feedback
B) Practical report
Since students will have written practical reports in semester 1, that will act as formative feedback for the practical report in semester 2
C) Poster presentation & experimental design:
There will be an experimental design workshop before a formative experimental planning exercise where students will present posters on design within their tutor groups.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | lab report with poster presentation | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 70 | |
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) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 30 | |
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: 18/02/2025
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