Module manager: Dr Glyn Hemsworth
Email: G.R.Hemsworth@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
A-level (or equivalent) in Biology or Chemistry
| BLGY1141 | Introduction to Cell Biology |
| FOBS1135 | The Basis of Life |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The Molecules of Life aims to provide our students with a firm understanding of the molecular biology of the cell. Starting from simple chemical principles, students will learn about the relationship between structure and function in the cell and the molecular basis for cellular function.
This module aims to provide learners with a grounding in the molecules of life going from the atomic scale up to macromolecular structure and function. There will be some revision of concepts from A-level, which will be built upon to provide up to date understanding of macromolecular structure and function that will be needed as learners progress through their programmes of study.
Teaching on the module will be shared with FOBS1135. FOBS1135 is a 20 credit module that is split into 9 learning units focussed on key aspects of molecular, macromolecular or cellular function. Learners enrolled on BIOL1112 will cover a subset of this content as required by their programme of study. Core content will be provided to learners through pre-recorded lectures which will be augmented with in-person workshops throughout the semester. There will be one workshop for every two hours of pre-recorded content. In these workshops learners will be provided with opportunities to assess their level of understanding whilst also gaining more in-depth knowledge from the lecturers that are expert in the topics being covered.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Distinguish between the major macromolecules and recognise their building blocks.
2. Explain the relationship between the structure of macromolecules and the function to which they are put in the cell.
3. Explain how key biological processes are driven by molecules and their behaviours.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. Demonstrate the ability to take a logical approach to the analysis and solving of problems.
BIOL1112 will cover a subset of the content delivered in FOBS1135, based on the following topics:
• The chemistry of life
• From genes to proteins
• Protein structure and function
• Membranes and signalling
• Enzymes
• Bioenergetics and Metabolism
• Cytoskeleton and the cell cycle
Each learning unit will consist of 2 to 6 lectures backed up with some preparatory content.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 23 | 1 | 23 |
| Private study hours | 77 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Students will be provided with formative exam papers and other questions via Minerva which will provide automated feedback allowing them to practice and evaluate their understanding throughout the module.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 1.0 Hrs Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 29/10/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team