BIOC40080 Biochemical Research Strategies and Problem Solving

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module, which is core for Stage 4 of the BSc Honours degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is an advanced course that examined key techniques and strategies that are central to research in biochemistry and molecular biology. It builds on the knowledge of techniques learned in stage 2 and 3 modules and shows how these can be applied to answer specific research questions. Example research papers demonstrating strategies used to elucidate molecular function are discussed. It includes enquiry-based group learning and numerical problem solving.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:1. Describe the experimental approaches that are used in planning experiments in biochemistry and molecular biology. 2. Process experimental data and solve numerical problems in biochemistry.3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of techniques used in biochemical research.

Indicative Module Content:

transport kinetics
receptor function
ligand binding
enzyme kinetics
protein purification
molecular biology techniques
bioinformatics

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

4
Small Group

5
Tutorial

3
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

102
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is divided into three parts, delivered by three teaching staff covering different topics
Each part comprises the following:
Introductory lecture, formative assignment on data analysis and problem solving, tutorial session

Individual assignments and group project topics are provided at the start of the module, and students work individually and in groups throughout a 3 week period (active/task-based learning, peer and group work). The group project is assessed through student presentations. In addition, students submit and are assessed on an individual assignment linked to the group project. Formative assignments on data analysis and problem solving will prepare students for the data analysis exam at the end of the module. 
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
Presentation: group presentation Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

10
Examination: 3hr written examination, data analysis and problem solving Week 12 No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

70
Assignment: written assignment Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
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
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

1. Students complete formative assignments (calculations and data analysis problems) throughout the module. Solutions for these assignments will be discussed in dedicated class tutorial sessions, allowing students to self-assess their level of learning accomplishments. Individual student feedback is given upon request. Similar data analysis problems are a component of the summative assessment (end-of-semester exam) of the module. 2. Students conduct a group project, which is assessed through a presentation. Feedback is given following the presentation to the group as well as individual students. This feedback informs an individual assignment submitted following the group project presentation. 3. The individual assignment is graded and feedback is provided to individual students via VLE. 4. Upon request, students receive individual feedback on end-of-semester exam.

Name Role
Dr Seema Nathwani Lecturer / Co-Lecturer