Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| BIOC1203 | Genes to Proteins |
| BIOC2202 | Intermediate Skills in Biochemistry |
| BIOC2203 | The Molecular Cell and Therapeutic Development |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides an in-depth exploration of biochemical processes and their relevance to human health, disease, and therapeutic innovation. Students will explore topics such as biomolecular interactions, drug discovery, and the role of the cytoskeleton in cellular function. Alongside theoretical understanding, students will develop advanced practical skills through integrated wet-lab and computational experiments, preparing them to tackle complex biochemical challenges and succeed in final-year research projects and future careers relating to biochemistry.
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and investigate biochemical processes at a molecular level. Students will explore key topics, including biomolecular interactions, the drug discovery process, and cytoskeletal dynamics, with a particular focus on how these processes underpin cellular function and contribute to advancements in our understanding of human health and the creation of innovative therapeutics.
In parallel, the module aims to develop advanced laboratory competencies required for modern biochemistry research. Students will learn to design and execute wet-lab and computational experiments with appropriate controls, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and perform statistical analyses of complex data. These practical classes will build the skills necessary for biochemical problem-solving and hypothesis-driven experimentation.
Learning activities will center on in-person, large-group interactive lectures, complemented by online resources designed to support independent study. These resources include revision question banks and supplementary materials aligned with the summative assessments, enabling students to evaluate and consolidate their understanding of key concepts. Similarly, practical classes will be supported by online pre-class preparation materials and post-class resources to help students solidify their laboratory skills and theoretical understanding.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Apply advanced principles from chemistry and biochemistry to explain the basis of drug action and the key stages of drug development.
2. Explain key aspects of cell biology using advanced biochemical principles.
3. Apply biochemical understanding of cellular processes to understand the molecular basis of disease and the development of therapeutics.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Design and execute advanced computational and wet lab projects to test biochemical hypotheses, with appropriate controls.
5. Analyse, interpret and critically assess a variety of numerical and experimental data using sophisticated analytical and statistical tools.
6. Communicate project methods and outputs effectively and in relation to 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 | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Practical | 6 | 6 | 36 |
| Seminar | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 138 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 62 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
This module will provide continual formative feedback orally via academics and demonstrators in the practical sessions. There will be formative exercises in planning an investigation and data analysis. Formative feedback will also be provided on pre-submitted work for the tutorials and larger group workshops.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | ”Drug Design” lab report | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
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 | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
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: 27/02/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team