LSC-10056 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2020/21

Knowledge of structure and function in biological systems underpins the biomedical and biological sciences and is underpinned by the chemical structures, reactions and interactions of the molecules involved. In this module all these key elements are brought together, illustrated by examples from major biological pathways and processes studied in other core biochemistry modules which run alongside. Lectures will cover atomic and molecular structure, biological macromolecules, interactions and reactions, metal chemistry in biological systems and a selection of analytical approaches.
The lectures are supplemented by on-line workshop sessions specifically directed towards both the analytical approaches encountered in the lecture materials and the 3-D structure of selected macromolecular building blocks. The analytical approaches have applications throughout the chemical, biological and biomedical sciences in both postgraduate study and industry.
Concepts and ideas the student encounters here support and enhance the remainder of the Level 4 single honours biochemistry course, and provide a firm basis for future modules at Levels 5 and 6.

The aim of the module is to impart knowledge of and promote understanding of structure, bonding and polymerisation in biological macromolecules and their constituent building blocks, alongside analytical approaches for their characterisation and the key chemical reactions and interactions which underpin structure and function in the biosciences.

Intended Learning Outcomes

recognise the relationship between Lewis notation, atomic and molecular orbitals, hybrids, valency, bonds and stereochemistry in simple organic molecules and biologically important functional groups: 1
explain, compare and contrast structure, bonding and stereochemistry in proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, oligo/poly saccharides and lipids and their constituent building blocks: 1
describe in outline, the methodology, advantages and limitations of methods used to determine protein structure, in particular x-ray crystallography: 1
explain the roles and interactions of metals in selected biological systems: 1
describe the instrumentation and methodology of various analytical techniques including mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and chromatography: 1
analyse and interpret experimental data from some or all of the following analytical techniques: mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, chromatography: 1
describe in detail, using appropriate chemical notation, the catalytic and regulatory strategies of enzymes, the roles of cofactors and coenzymes in activity and the reaction mechanism of named enzymes including proteases and kinases: 1
demonstrate knowledge of the structure, reactions, interactions and roles of important functional groups in the context of the structure and function of biological macromolecules: 1
recognise and explain, using appropriate chemical notation, standard biochemical reactions including substitution, addition, elimination and condensation: 1

Study hours

18 1-hour Lectures including on-line workshop sessions and on-line formative class tests
130 Hours Independent study
2 Hours Examination

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment