NES1408 : Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
NES1408 : Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Tom McAllister
- Lecturer: Professor Akane Kawamura, Dr James Knight
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To introduce the structure and function of essential biomolecules. To show how these molecules interact in the basic processes of a living cell.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will introduce the structure and function of essential cellular biomolecules. Topics include: Cells and life forces, Amino acids, Peptides, Proteins, Nucleotides and nucleosides, DNA – replication, RNA – transcription and translation, Genes and Disease, Carbohydrates, Lipids and membranes
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Know the different forces involved in holding biomolecules together
Be familiar with the structures of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates
Know the structures of the naturally occurring amino acids and understand primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures of proteins
Know the structures of the nucleotides and be familiar with the primary and secondary structures of DNA and RNA.
Understand the processes of DNA replication, transcription and translation
Appreciate the fundamental behaviour and importance of enzymes
Intended Skill Outcomes
Subject specific or professional skills, able to:
Draw chemical structures of drugs and biomolecules
Draw and visualise secondary and tertiary structures in biomolecules
Cognitive or intellectual skills, able to:
Predict simple secondary biomolecular structures.
Translate the genetic code to protein sequences.
Predict targets of drugs and their effects
Key skills, able to:
Take notes
Solve problems in biological and medicinal chemistry
Plan and organise coursework
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | End of Semester examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 42 | 1:00 | 42:00 | Revision for formative and end of Semester 2 examination |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Completion of formative assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 39 | 1:00 | 39:00 | Background reading |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
In person lectures are used to deliver new material, deliver in-class Q+A and formative assessment.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 100 | End of semester exam. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | 60 minute bring your own device - computer assignment |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examination assesses the students' knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological and medicinal chemistry presented in the lecture courses.
The formative assessment will allow students to assess their progress in the module and areas for improvement.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES1408's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES1408's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.