Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Students must have completed stage 2 of the Biochemistry degree and undertaken semester 1 Biochemistry modules.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aims of the module are to:

•       Encourage students to consolidate their knowledge of the key concepts in biochemistry taught throughout the degree.

•       Reinforce the development of critical skills, including interpretation of the scientific literature, hypothesis testing, data analysis and problem solving.

•       Provide a support framework to enable effective and planned revision ahead of the final exams.

Outline Of Syllabus

There is no defined syllabus for this module as the reading and problems will be related to the current research topics covered in the semester 1 stage 3 modules. The papers chosen for the assessment will be relevant to one or more of the semester 1 modules.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to;

K1 Integrate knowledge from across the degree to address biochemical problems.

K2 Recognise the typical structure of a primary research paper and evaluate the content and importance of each section.

K3 Evaluate the techniques or methods employed in the scientific literature.

K4 Distinguish between conclusions that are well supported from those which are speculation.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to;

S1 Read and critically evaluate scientific papers.

S2 Prepare materials (including abstracts, graphical abstract and title) highlighting main findings of a research paper.

S3 Interpret data and perform biochemical calculations.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module utilises four specific seminar skills sessions (delivered in person as small group teaching in semester 1) and associated with relevant modules to give timely opportunities to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the LOs. This early integration is appreciated by the students and the approach has been developed by the Curriculum Committee for both Biochemistry and Biomedical Genetics degrees so that students benefit in semester 1 and during their final year project.

Academic skills activities, research seminars and skills practice during semester 2 provide the students with an opportunity to reflect back on what they have done in skills sessions, practice skills ahead of examination and seek advice on how to improve in preparation for the final exams. Students will be provided with past exam questions to practice as part of their independent study time and in preparation for the final exam.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The final examination is designed to evaluate the various learning outcomes of the module and will incorporate data analysis from given papers. The papers selected will be carefully chosen to be short and relevant to material taught across the degree programme. Students will be expected to critically evaluate the paper and demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the techniques.

Students will be provided with formative assessment exercises and past exam questions to practice as part of their independent study time and as preparation for the final exam.

General Notes

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