Aims

The module aims to enable students to appreciate the fundamental importance of cellular and biochemical processes for whatever aspect of biology they subsequently specialise in. It aims to provide basic information about:
(i) the major biological macromolecules;
(ii) how structures of biomolecules relate to their functions; and
(iii) how biomolecules are synthesised and degraded through central metabolic pathways and the links to production and use of energy.
It also provides the opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience of studying cells and biomolecules and to develop skills needed to work effectively in a laboratory, perform relevant calculations, display and interpret experimental results and prepare laboratory reports.

Outline Of Syllabus

"The module will cover the following topics:
Introduction: module aims, learning outcomes, methods of delivery, resources, assessment
Revision of basic chemistry
Biochemical calculations
Macromolecules and their constituents:
• Amino acids and proteins
• Proteins as structural molecules and as enzymes
• Carbohydrates as structural and storage molecules
• Fatty acids, lipids and membranes
Metabolic processes
• Cellular energy
• Energy generation through glycolysis, fermentation, respiration
• Gluconeogenesis
• Photosynthesis
• Lipid metabolism: breakdown and synthesis

Short seminars: these cover relevant current research topics reinforcing module content and helping students to appreciate the importance of research on cells and biomolecules across the life sciences.
Practicals: Enzymes, Metabolism

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module will be delivered through a combination of online resources and scheduled sessions that will provide students with the essential factual and conceptual information for the module. The drop-in/surgery sessions will offer further explanation on module topics through short presentations by staff, Q&A, problem solving. The practical classes will give students the opportunity for hands-on study of cells and biomolecules, developing their skills in using laboratory equipment and in collecting, manipulating (including numerical calculations), presenting and interpreting experimental data. Online resources and material will be provided for revision of basic chemical principles, as well as for studying and practicing biochemical calculations.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The formal examination (PC, digital exam) will assess the breadth of students’ knowledge of material covered in the module through a mixture of short answer (such as fill in blanks, multiple choice, label diagrams, true/false) questions, and biochemical calculations questions.

Assessment of laboratory reports will appraise data collection, presentation and numerical manipulation skills, and the ability to link results of practical experiments to theoretical knowledge.

The Canvas self-assessment quizzes will help students to review and assess their knowledge and understanding of module content.

Formative assessment through practice lab reports will help students prepare for the summatively assessed reports and for the exam by allowing them to gauge their preparedness and identify where improvement is needed.

Study Abroad students may request to take their exam before the semester 1 exam period, in which case the format of the paper may differ from that shown in the MOF. Study Abroad students should contact the school to discuss