Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module introduces students to practical skills essential to Study Abroad students studying biochemistry. Students learn how to measure protein concentration by spectrophotometry, how to purify proteins using ion exchange chromatography, how to measure the rate of an enzyme reaction and how to analyse DNA sequence data.

The module will also highlight the importance of laboratory health and safety.

Outline Of Syllabus

The Biochemistry practical skills module consists of laboratory-based practicals on the following topics: spectroscopy; ion exchange chromatography; enzyme kinetics; DNA sequencing and genetic control.

The module is offered ONLY to Study abroad students. Students on other programmes in the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences may take the same practical classes as part of CMB1011.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Explain the underlying principles of a number of essential practical techniques used to investigate biochemistry.
2. Describe health and safety precautions which need to be taken when working in biochemistry laboratories.
3. Describe mathematical formulae necessary for calculation of concentrations and dilutions relevant to biochemistry practical work.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Carry out a number of essential practical techniques used to investigate biochemistry.
2. Work safely in biochemistry laboratories (legal awareness).
3. Record and analyse biological data from experiments in biochemistry (critical thinking, data synthesis & numeracy)
4. Carry out scientific calculations relevant to biochemistry practical work,
including calculation of concentrations and dilutions (data synthesis & numeracy, problem solving)
5. Use computer aided learning packages to explore concepts in biochemistry practical work.
(use of computer application)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Practical classes will provide experience of laboratory work; information presented in practicals will include knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of essential practical techniques and laboratory health and safety. Students will gain hands-on experience of a range of practical techniques and safe laboratory practice. Practical classes will allow students to develop skills in recording and analysing biological data, carrying out scientific calculations and using computers. Practicals also provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas with peers, demonstrators and academic staff in a relatively informal setting. Skills practised include critical thinking, data synthesis, numeracy & use of computer applications.

Independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts relevant to the practicals; preparation for practicals and completing assessments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Practical reports will test the students knowledge and understanding of practical techniques, ability to record and analyse biological data, ability to carry out scientific calculations and ability to use computer aided learning packages.

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.

The form of assessment will not vary from the original.

General Notes

N/A