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LSC-10097 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

LSC-10097 - Molecules of Life
Coordinator: David Watson Tel: +44 1782 7 33676
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module will introduce you to fundamental concepts in our understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules, from the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the activity of enzymes to the progress and organisation of major metabolic pathways, which you will build on across the course. You will also develop key skills in data analysis, presentation and communication where you will report the outcomes of laboratory investigations, applying theoretical knowledge from the module.

Aims
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of core chemical concepts and their application to the biological sciences. These concepts are applied to topics developing an understanding of protein and enzyme structure-function, the progress of biochemical reactions and the major metabolic pathways for the generation of energy. Supporting tutorial and workshop activities will align with asynchronous content and practical sessions delivered in LSC-10103 and will introduce students to a range of essential biochemical techniques for the study of enzyme kinetics. Further supporting workshops and tutorials are designed to support the development of key skills in data analysis, presentation and communication of information.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the basis of the layout of the periodic table and how this relates to atomic and molecular structure and properties, including Lewis notation applied to bonding in simple organic molecules: 1
explain basic concepts of chemical bonding, kinetics, reactivity and thermodynamics and their application to the study of protein structure, biochemical reactions and metabolic processes: 1,3
describe the macromolecular structure of proteins in terms of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure and the common structural motifs adopted by folded proteins: 1
explain the effect of environmental changes, substrate concentration and the binding of non-substrate ligands on protein and enzyme structure and function: 2,3
describe the central role of metabolism in homeostasis and explain the progress and control of key metabolic pathways involving carbohydrates, fatty acids and protein/amino acids: 3
describe oxidative metabolic processes for the production of ATP, including enzyme complexes in the mitochondria: 3
analyse and interpret experimental data from the results of experimental investigations and communicate these effectively in written form in a scientific laboratory report: 2

Study hours

Active learning:
32 hours of workshops/tutorials/lectures supporting asynchronous materials and interactive learning
6 hours of IT workshops supporting data analysis and report writing
10x 8 hours engagement with asynchronous content
Independent study:
2 hour exam
52 hours preparation of in-course assessment
128 hours independent study: preparation/revision for online tests and engaging with directed reading

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Flexible Class Test weighted 20%
Class Test- online, (1 hour active working time, 2-hour assessment window)
Online class test covering the core learning materials from the first part of the module, comprising MCQ/SAQ questions testing core knowledge and understanding. Duration will be 1-hour expected active working time with an assessment window of 2-hours, held during the semester. Formative tests will also be provided to support preparation.

2: Laboratory Report weighted 40%
Laboratory Report (~2000 words)
Students will produce a laboratory report (~2,000 words) assessing scientific content/insight and graphical data presentation/analysis based on data collected in laboratory sessions delivered in LSC-10103, supported with a number of tutorials/workshops on data analysis and report writing.

3: Exam weighted 40%
Unseen exam - multiple choice and short answer questions
Closed book exam covering the core learning materials from the second part of the module, comprising MCQ/SAQ questions testing core knowledge and understanding. While the exam is designed to take approximately 1 hour, all students will be given 2 hours to ensure an inclusive and accessible assessment experience. Students will be permitted to take a double-sided A4 memory prompt of notes with them to the exam. Formative tests will also be provided to support preparation.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025