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LSC-10099 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

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

LSC-10099 - Molecular Principles and Applications of Biochemistry
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

In this module you will explore how concepts from the chemical and analytical sciences are applied in the study of biochemistry. Through student-led, case-based learning tutorials, you will also investigate real-life applications of biochemistry, including the diagnosis and treatment of disease, developing teamwork and leadership skills. You will further develop skills in data analysis and communication, drawing together key skills and theoretical concepts from across the course.

Aims
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 key chemical reactions and interactions which underpin structure and function in the biosciences. In semester 2 the module will also develop team-working, good laboratory practice, enquiry-based investigation and key analytical skills, building on practical classes in LSC-10103 and through small group case-based learning (CBL). CBL sessions will support students to integrate material from this, and other modules across the course, using clinical, analytical and research-based scenarios to explore the applications of biochemistry (and the underpinning chemistry) and related bioscience topics to the pathology, diagnosis and treatment of disease. The assessment strategy of the module also allows students to develop skills in different writing skills/formats and fosters creativity.

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
describe the instrumentation and methodology of various analytical techniques including mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, cryo-EM, neutron scattering and chromatography, and interpret resulting experimental data: 1
describe in detail, using appropriate chemical notation, the catalytic and regulatory strategies of enzymes, the roles of cofactors and coenzymes (including metal ions) in activity and the reaction mechanism of named enzymes including proteases and kinases: 1
as a team, design and optimise experimental conditions for the quantification of an allocated metabolite to produce and market an assay kit: 2
explain the biochemistry, chemistry, and related bioscience concepts underpinning clinical and research scenarios covered in case study sessions, including in relation to the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease and with consideration of relevant ethical issues,: 3
present and communicate information in a variety of formats, including oral, visual and written form: 2
effectively chair and record proceedings during case-study sessions: take responsibility for their own learning and reflect upon that learning: 3,4

Study hours

ACTIVE LEARNING-
Semester 1:
11 x 6 hours engagement with asynchronous content (including consumption, wider reading and note taking)
17 hours live sessions (demonstrations, interactive lectures, tutorials)
Semester 2:
19 hours Case-study tutorials
10 hours lab-based skills tutorials/workshops
3 hours assessment preparation/revision tutorials
2 hours peer assessment tutorials/assay kit presentations
INDEPENDENT STUDY:
2 hours end of module examination
61 hours independent study including preparation for formative test and semester 1 exam.
35 hours completion of group project (including reflection on labs delivered as part of LSC 10103)
35 hours preparation of case study report
50 hours directed research for case studies (10 hours per case)


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 50%
Unseen exam - multiple choice and short answer questions
Closed book exam covering the core learning materials from the first semester 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.

2: Group Assessment weighted 30%
Group project to design and market an assay kit
Based on lab sessions in LSC-10103, groups of 2-3 will optimise experimental conditions to design, package and market an assay kit for an allocated metabolite. Groups will deliver an 'sales pitch' for their assay kit (~10 minutes) and submit both a physical mock-up of the kit box/packaging with a detailed user guide (~1500 words) in an appropriate style. All three components will be tutor and peer assessed against a detailed marking rubric.

3: Report weighted 20%
Case study and tutor notes
For a named condition students will write a case scenario, identify key learning outcomes and produce tutor briefing notes, based on the format of case study sessions throughout semester 2. The submissions should be 1500-2000 words in total, to include a short (250 word) reflective narrative on their engagement and approach to the CBL sessions during the semester.

4: Competence weighted 0%
Class participation: engagement with, preparation and participation with case-based learning
Students will have the opportunity to take on the roles of scribe, chair and group member during tutorials. Students must attend and engage with a minimum of 50% of the scheduled CBL sessions. The tutor will judge their level of participation in the CBL process across the whole year, including their participation in group discussions, preparation for tutorials, communication and problem solving skills to ensure that it is at an acceptable level to meet professional body requirements.

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