BMD1000 : Molecules of Life
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to School approval at module registration
- Module Leader(s): Dr Damian Parry
- Co-Module Leader: Dr David Bolam
- Lecturer: Dr Elisabeth Lowe, Dr Lindi Chen, Dr Jon Marles-Wright
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| 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
The aim of this module is to
1) Introduce the key concepts of the molecules essential to life
2) Develop a core understanding of how molecules are built such as components and bond formation
3) Explore how modification and adaption due to environment or disease of these molecules can lead to
pathology
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics covered by this module include:
Carbon Chemistry and bond formation
Nucleic acids (inc. mention of phosphorous structures), RNA/DNA, replication, transcription, translation and gene expression (prokaryotic and eukaryotic)
Proteins and amino acids (stability/folding interactions) and enzyme kinetics
Lipids and Transportation
Carbohydrates and metabolism (bioenergetics, inc energy/phosphorous)
Molecular separations
Biophysics - pH (water, thermodynamics, kinetics)
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Placement/Study Abroad | Employer-based learning | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Protein modification and analysis |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Core module knowledge lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 163:00 | 163:00 | Independent study and preparing for assessments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Post Practical Seminar |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Post Lecture Seminar |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures a formal taught session to the whole cohort which consists largely of the exposition of theory, themes, methodologies and techniques. These will form the basis of a student’s understanding of the key macromolecules (each macromolecule will constitute a cluster of lectures) relating to structure, function, activity and disfunction.
Laboratory-based practicals will provide hands-on experience of a range of practical techniques including safe laboratory practice. Practical classes will enable students to consolidate knowledge and develop laboratory skills including recording and analysing biological data and performing scientific calculations.
Seminars / Post practical seminars will encourage contextualisation of taught material through discussion, Q&As, data interpretation and problem-solving. Small group teaching provides support for students in their preparation for the assessment format.
Independent study will allow students to extend their knowledge and prepare for assessments through consolidation of module content, reading of books, journal articles and other recommended references.
In-course assessments (formative practical quizzes, practical reports etc) spread throughout the module will teach students time management and organisation and encourage independent working as well as supporting their understanding of the subject
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 60 | Closed book, Inspera invigilated exam, quiz-style questions (max 100 Qs) |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 40 | 1500 words |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 1 | M | Online timed (45 mins) Inspera exam, quiz-style questions (max 50) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The end-of-module examination assesses knowledge and understanding of course material.
The formative in-course assessment will familiarise students with the format of the end-of-module exam and help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material.
Lab report: this will assess the students’ writing and information literacy skills, as well as their ability to interpret and analyse experimental data, reference appropriately, and synthesise relevant information from a variety of sources.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMD1000's Timetable