Biochemistry
| Module title | Biochemistry |
|---|---|
| Module code | BIO1332 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Chloe Singleton (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 400 |
|---|
Module description
Life is driven by biochemical reactions. Biochemistry is an introductory module providing the essentials for understanding all living processes. You will study protein structure, enzyme kinetics and basic metabolism; understanding how each of these processes function and shape the living cell. Practical sessions offer you vital hands-on experience, learning key techniques and how to apply them. Core biochemical experience is highly relevant to applications in biotechnology and medical science. This module provides the foundation from which you may progress to higher level modules in Metabolism, Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, and Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry.
In order to take BIO1332 you must normally have an A Level (or equivalent) in Biology. An A Level (or equivalent) in Chemistry is also very useful.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to teach you core concepts in biochemistry including topics on structure of proteins, enzyme kinetics and metabolic pathways. The module will also provide a background to fundamental aspects of chemistry. This module provides you with the core knowledge and skills to enhance performance in the area of biological chemistry and is a pre-requisite for second year modules in Metabolism, Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, and final year modules in Energy Metabolism and in Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry.
Graduate attributes: as part of this module you will develop organised analytical skills and group / team work skills.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe the range and structures of biological molecules
- 2. Summarise the relationship between chemical structure and biological function
- 3. Identify and describe key steps of metabolic pathways
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Describe the basic principles of biochemistry/chemical biology
- 5. With guidance, develop knowledge of established techniques of analysis, practical investigation and enquiry within biochemistry
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Actively engage in group work and effectively manage group projects
- 7. Effectively manage time and module workloads to meet the demands of the module.
Syllabus plan
Fundamental Aspects of Chemistry
- Atomic structure and bonding
- Basic reaction chemistry
- Nomenclature
- Structure and bonding in organic molecules
Amino acids and Protein Structure
- Key properties of amino acid monomers
- Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins
- Forces which stabilise proteins
Proteins as Enzymes
- Enzyme kinetics
- Enzyme inhibitors and activators
- Thermodynamics
Introduction to Metabolic Pathways
- Glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, mitochondrial electron transport and ATP synthesis
- Fatty acid metabolism
- Photosynthesis
Accessibility Statement:
As part of this module, you will undertake four laboratory sessions in the large teaching laboratory (of up to 200 students) that are of 2-3 hrs in duration. These sessions will be undertaken in groups, and some sessions involve fine laboratory work. Breaks are possible and students are able to leave the laboratory for short periods.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | 115 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 20 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 12 | Laboratory practicals (4 x 3 hours) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 3 | Drop-in Q&A sessions (3 x 1 hour) |
| Guided Independent Study | 5 | Pre-recorded lecture content to support laboratory practicals and Digital Worksheets |
| Guided Independent Study | 6 | Preparation for laboratory practicals |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Lecture consolidation and wider reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 7 | Preparation for, and completion of Digital Worksheets |
| Guided Independent Study | 37 | Examination revision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQs during in-person lectures | Ad-hoc | 1-4 | Oral |
| E-learning simulations | Ad-hoc | 4, 5, 7 | On-line |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital worksheet 1 | 20 | Equivalent to 500 words | 4, 5, 7 | On-line |
| Digital worksheet 2 | 20 | Equivalent to 500 words | 4, 5, 7 | On-line |
| MCQ examination | 60 | 1 hour | 1-5, 7 | Model answers |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital worksheet 1 | Digital worksheet (20%) | 9-11 | August Ref/Def |
| Digital worksheet 2 | Digital worksheet (20%) | 9-11 | August Ref/Def |
| MCQ examination | MCQ examination (60%) | 1-4, 6-8, 12-13 | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
For Biochemistry lectures:
- Campbell NA, Reece JB (2008) Biology, 8th Ed. Pearson. ISBN 0-321-53616-7/0-321-53616-9 (Core text)
Specialist biochemistry textbooks:
- Berg JM, Tymoczko JL, Stryer L (2012) Biochemistry, 7th Ed., Freeman ISBN 13: 978-1-4292-7635-1
For Chemistry lectures:
- Clayden J et al. (2001) Organic Chemistry. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-850346-6
- Winter (2016) Chemical Bonding, 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780198700951
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- Module-specific ELE page - https://ele.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 27/04/2012 |
| Last revision date | 23/04/2024 |
