Module Catalogue 2024/25

BGM1002 : Biochemistry

BGM1002 : Biochemistry

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Lindi Chen
  • Lecturer: Dr Jon Marles-Wright, Professor Debra Bevitt, Professor Heath Murray, Dr Simon Wilkinson, Dr Christina Elliott, Dr Simon Whitehall, Mr Wouter Peeters, Dr David Bolam
  • 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: 15
ECTS Credits: 8.0
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

This module aims to;

1.       Demonstrate the relationship between structure and function of biomolecules

2.       Introduce the molecular basis of cellular processes and the principles that underlie these events

3.       Consider the implications in relation to health and disease

4.       Provide an introduction to experimental methods which can be applied to generate information about biomolecules

Outline Of Syllabus

Lectures and seminars will cover the following topics:

•       Amino acids and proteins: proteins and their building blocks; proteins in health and disease; enzymes; methods used in protein purification.

•       Carbohydrates: the structure of sugars and their role in biology.

•       Nucleic acids: the importance of phosphorus in biology; the relationship between DNA, RNA and proteins; the structure of DNA and how this relates to its function replication; DNA sequencing and the human genome.

•       The control of gene expression: transcription (RNA synthesis) and translation (protein synthesis).

•       Energy and cellular metabolism: glycolysis; citric acid cycle; oxidative phosphorylation; gluconeogenesis; glycogen metabolism; fat metabolism; basic amino acid metabolism; alcohol metabolism.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

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

1.       Classify the structures of proteins and amino acids, relate structure to function and identify examples of disease states.

2.       Define how enzymes catalyse cellular processes and identify key enzymes as targets for drugs and in the diagnosis of disease.

3.       Relate carbohydrate structure and function.

4.       Identify structural features of DNA and RNA and relate these to function.

5.       Describe the processes and control of gene expression.

6.       Outline how glucose metabolism is controlled and what goes wrong in diabetes.

7.       Illustrate how cells produce the energy required for cellular processes.

Intended Skill Outcomes

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

1.       Navigate through module information, content and activities using the VLE (digital skills)

2.       Independently locate information related to Biochemistry via the library and the internet, to support and reinforce material taught in lectures (information literacy)

3.       Work independently and with peers to solve Biochemistry related problems in seminars (problem solving & collaboration)

4.       Effectively communicate knowledge of Biochemistry obtained from lectures and independent study to peers and staff (oral and interpersonal communication skills)

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture281:0028:00In person lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:001:00Formative assessment (mid-semester). Online via Inspera.
Structured Guided LearningAcademic skills activities12:002:00Carbohydrate revision activities. Non-synchronous online
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching31:003:00In person Seminars
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1112:00112:00Writing up lecture notes, revision and guided reading.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesModule talk11:001:00Introduction to module
Guided Independent StudyDistance Learning Advance Preparation31:003:00Advance preparation for seminars
Total150:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1.       Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.

2.       Structured guided activities, seminars and Q&A sessions will encourage students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject, and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and where possible to exchange ideas in a small group setting. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication and team working.

3.       Guided independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts; advance preparation for seminars; submitting questions for Q&A sessions; using learning resources on the internet and VLE. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination901A100In person Inspera Invigilated: Quiz Format questions, maximum 120 questions.
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 Examination1MIn person Inspera Invigilated timed (45 minutes) Quiz format questions, maximum 45 questions.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end of semester examination assesses knowledge and understanding of the course material.

The formative assessment will support students’ learning by providing an opportunity for students to assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as to familiarise students with the end of semester exam format.

FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

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.