BMOL20110 Biomolecular Sciences

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module is part of the stage 2 core curriculum for all SBBS BSc degree programmes and a number of related disciplines. The course introduces students to fundamental building blocks for the molecules of life: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Students will learn how molecular structure dictates the functional properties of these molecules, and how dysfunctional biomolecules can result in disease. The concept of biochemical catalysis and the properties of enzymes will be introduced. Additionally, the module introduces basic concepts of cellular metabolism and immune response. Main topics include: amino acids, protein structure, carbohydrates, lipids and membrane structure; enzymes and cofactors; enzyme mechanism, kinetics and regulation, energy metabolism, amino acid and lipid metabolism, introduction to molecules and processes of the immune response.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Relate the structural properties of amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids to the cellular function of these biomolecules; 2. Describe the different types of proteins secondary structure and provide examples of protein tertiary structures; 3. Characterise the structure and function of antibodies, myoglobin, haemoglobin, molecular motors and appreciate relationships between protein dysfunction and disease; 4. Characterise the components and properties of biological membranes; 5. Describe the characteristics and mechanism of enzymes and co-enzymes, and explain the kinetics and regulation of enzyme-catalysed reactions; 6. Describe fundamental pathways of energy metabolism as well as amino acid and lipid biosynthesis; 7. Outline fundamental principles of immune response.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

32

Tutorial

4

Autonomous Student Learning

60

Online Learning

10

Total

106

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; Reflective learning; Enquiry & Problem-based learning 
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
Continuous Assessment: Three in-semester online Class tests Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

30

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

70


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

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Derek Costello Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jana Haase Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Seema Nathwani Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor David O'Connell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jens Rauch Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Margaret Worrall Lecturer / Co-Lecturer