Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

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: lipolysis and fatty acid beta-ozidation

Research 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

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

PC1 Knowledge Application: Develop fundamental biological knowledge and an awareness of how this fits into the wider context. Recognise the broad biological concepts that underpin the discipline (role and importance of major biomolecules across biological systems, structure-function and metabolism of biomolecules) and how these impact the world around them. (Developed)

Intended Skill Outcomes

PC2 Information Literacy: Find and correctly interpret appropriate sources of information on scientific topics. Incorporate and reference sources appropriately within assignments. (Developed, Assessed)

PC3 Practical Skills: Implement the scientific method and fundamental disciplinary practical techniques through appropriate experiential designs. Specifically to have developed skills in laboratory work including the use of laboratory equipment e.g. micropipettes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, the safe handling of laboratory reagents. (Developed)

PC4 Data Literacy: Identify, validate and visualise different types of data. Describe ways of managing data. Specifically develop and assess skills in data collection, analysis and presentation as part of laboratory reports. In addition, deliver, develop and assess numeracy skills, specifically biochemical calculations typically used in a biochemistry laboratory setting. (Developed, Assessed)

PC8 Collaboration: Begin to develop effective collaboration skills e.g. through working as part of a small team to perform experiments and collect data (delivered, developed) and reflect on your professional and digital interactions. Recognise the importance of success in shared endeavours and the role of group work and collaboration in enhancing scientific outcomes. (Developed)

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 (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, track progress with revision, providing instant feedback and can be taken as many times as the students want.

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

General Notes

N/A