BIOC20060 Biochemistry in Action

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module is part of the stage 2 curriculum for the BSc degree programme in Biochemistry and a number of related disciplines. The module aims to stimulate interest in the subject of Biochemistry, giving the students a flavour of the breath of the subject as well as introducing them to current research trends in Biochemistry. Main topics covered through lectures include: transporters and transport processes; protein structure and function in health and disease; differentiation, growth, homeostasis and repair; proteins/peptides as therapeutics and diagnostics. In addition, students will work in groups to explore specific proteins relevant to a variety of biological processes and/or diseases.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the role of proteins and enzymes in a variety of biochemical processes; 2. Characterise the function of various proteins in physiological processes and disease; 3. Develop competencies in self-directed group learning and presentation skills

Indicative Module Content:

Lecture list:
1 Module Intro
2 Transport across membranes - introduction
3 ABC transporters
4 SLC transporters, nutrient transport
5 Transporters in the brain
6 Transporter research - a biochemist's approach
7 Protein structure – CFTR and Haemoglobin
8 Protein mis-folding and accumulation: Alzheimer’s disease, prion diseases
9 Heat shock proteins and their role in diseases: (immunodominant antigen in infection; role in autoimmune disease)
10 Subject presentation - Biochemistry
11 Serine proteases and Blood clotting
12 Proteomics and protein research
13 The Cell Cycle: regulation by protein kinases and phosphatases
14 Cell Cycle checkpoints in regulation of cell division
15 DNA Damage & Repair pathways in health and disease
16 Circadian Clock and Cell Cycle: interconnected biological circuits
17 Stem cells and Stem cell differentiation
18 Antibodies – Immunotherapies. Antibodies as research tools
19 Diagnostic proteins and peptides in human disease
20 Fluorescent proteins and applications
21 Peptides as biotherapeutics
22 Recombinant proteins and peptides. Bioprocessing

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Small Group

10

Specified Learning Activities

20

Autonomous Student Learning

50

Total

104

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be delivered through lectures (24) as well as a group project (small group work). 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Project: Group project Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

25

Examination: End-of-Semester exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

75


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be given to individual and groups of students on the group project through VLE. The class will be asked to provide feedback (peer review activity) on group project presentations. Test exam questions will be provided through VLE with automated feedback prior to end-of-semester exam. If requested, individual feedback will be given to students post-assessment.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Siobhán McClean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Margaret McGee Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jens Rauch Lecturer / Co-Lecturer