Module Catalogue 2024/25

BGM3064 : Applied Biochemistry

BGM3064 : Applied Biochemistry

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Professor Wyatt Yue
  • Lecturer: Dr Andrew Knight, Dr Neil Keegan, Dr Elizabeth Veal, Professor Bert van den Berg, Dr Mathew Martin, Dr David Bolam, Dr Natalie Tatum, Professor Christopher Dennison
  • Deputy Module Leader: Professor Martin Noble
  • 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

Common Stage 1 for all BMS Students, stage 2 Biochemistry (C700/C701)

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

As biochemists, we are interested in how chemical processes are linked to biological phenomena, and how a knowledge of biological molecules can explain the diverse processes that sustain life. But biochemistry has a greater role to play in society than just being a branch of the life sciences that is studied in classrooms and in research laboratories. Biochemistry has real-world roles and applications in the maintenance of good health and in combatting disease, in the production of biofuels, in nano-circuitry and bio-sensing as well as in genetic and protein engineering for understanding and improving cellular processes. The overall aim of this module is to introduce to students how biochemistry can be applied to solve real world problems. In addition to the direct learning outcomes, therefore, this module will provide experience, guidance and support for those considering a career in the greater biotechnology sector.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module is designed to demonstrate various ways in which biochemistry can be applied to solving problems in health, diagnosis, and biotechnological applications. First we will discover how biochemistry can be applied in the production of biopharmaceuticals ("biologics"). For instance, the breast cancer drug Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody that specifically inhibits a dysregulated plasma membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinase, HER2. The role of antibodies in other therapeutic and biotechnological applications will also be covered.

The module will also introduce the role of biochemistry in nutraceuticals, dietary supplements that provide health benefits such as improved well-being or the prevention of chronic diseases and how glycan degrading enzymes can be used in the production of bioethanol. The module will cover principles of biosensors using as exemplar glucose biosensor for diabetics. Further taught material will look at how metalloproteins can be adapted to be used in biofuel cells, in the oxidation of methane and as biosensors, and how membrane proteins have utility as biosensors, in nanoelectronics, and in the sequencing of DNA. We will also consider how genome editing can be used to re-write the genomic information in an individual cell and how this technology might be used to treat complex hereditary disorders.

Finally, we will take a close look at how the unmet need for new therapeutics is being addressed in a series of lectures and a workshop on modern approaches towards small molecule drug discovery, using structure-based, in silico - and fragment-based approaches to the same end, the development of highly effective and selective new pharmaceuticals.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:
•       Relate structure of biomolecules to their function and application as tools
•       Discuss the rationale, process and practicalities in discovery of new drugs, their development from idea to product, and how academic research has been essential for this development.
•       Consider the need, challenges and progress for drug discovery in therapeutic areas from cancer, through inherited genetic disorders, to pathogen-driven disease.
•       Identify skill requirements for career development and entrepreneurial opportunities in the biotechnology industry
•       Evaluate key advances in biochemistry and their real-world applications.
•       Apply biochemical principles learned in previous years (and in other 3rd year modules) to the commercial exploitation of proteins.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:
•       develop team-building, organizational and presentation skills
•       source and critically review scientific literature
•       write persuasive and coherent arguments in the form of an essay
•       apply the concepts of molecular design to drug development
•       link how academic science can be developed into business ideas

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture271:0027:00In person
Guided Independent StudySkills practice31:003:00Generic Skills Sessions - in person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching31:003:00Feedback and revision seminars - in person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching13:003:00In person - Group Oral Presentations.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops12:002:00Computer Practical (Molecular Graphics) - in person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops12:002:00Biomonopoly - in person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork18:008:00In person - External Online Visit/Tour - FujiFilm Diosynth.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1152:00152:00Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading.
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures and lecture materials are used to present the core syllabus in the most efficient manner. The students will be introduced to general concepts and areas of particular importance, so that they can relate the class-room teaching to self-directed study. Students are actively encouraged to ask questions and to self-direct discussion during and after lectures, oral presentations and workshops/virtual fieldtrips. The self-directed questioning and discussion helps to test the students’ reasoning and interpretive skills so that the students can achieve the learning outcomes.


2. One workshop will be led by staff from the Careers Service, who is best-placed to help the students identify and appraise career opportunities in the biotechnology sector.

3. An interactive molecular graphics-based workshop will provide the students with an opportunity to visualise the output of a typical drug discovery / SAR programme using crystallography.

4. The trip to FujiFilm Diosynth will provide the students with a unique opportunity during their course to experience a national manufacturing facility of direct relevance to this module.

5. Skills practice sessions are generic, used to support development of core analytical and numerical skills across the curriculum.

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 Examination1202A702 hour invigilated exam answering two essay questions (1 essay from a choice of 2 in each of two sections A and B)
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Oral Examination1M5Present a one slide summary graphical abstract of a specified primary research paper (5 mins), provided 1 week in advance - in person
Written exercise1M25Invigilated 2 hour short answer Paper Interpretation Exercise (PIE) same as graphical abstract presentation, Max of 8 questions in person
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
Research paper1MComputer practical (Molecular Graphics). In person
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The major form of assessment is the formal summer invigilated exam (70% of the total module mark), which tests students’ knowledge and understanding, and their ability to think critically and to write persuasively and coherently.

The in-course assessment will be a composite element comprising a Paper Interpretation Exercise (PIE, 25%), and a one slide oral presentation of a graphical abstract (5%), both relating to the same piece of primary literature relevant to the course content. These two exercises will develop and assess three important skills, namely the ability to pull key information and comprehension from primary literature, the ability to condense the principal findings of a paper into a readily digested representation, and the ability to make an oral presentation based on a graphically rich slide. The two elements are deliberately coordinated so that the preparation of the graphical abstract can be of value to the student in preparing for the PIE.

The formative assessment will provide the students with an opportunity to test their understanding of protein: ligand

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.