BIO2023 : Cellular Biochemistry
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Fiona Cuskin
- Lecturer: Dr Jon Marles-Wright, Professor Frank Sargent
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
To show how proteins are studied both within and outside of their host cells. To develop knowledge of the methods used to study protein structure and biochemistry. To develop skills in practical laboratory techniques related to protein isolation and characterisation, in the analysis of data using computer packages, and presentation and interpretation of protein biochemical and structural data.
Outline Of Syllabus
Lecture material
How we study proteins: structural biology, biophysical characterisation of proteins
Protein trafficking in the cell
Mitochondria: bioenergetics, biosynthesis and mitophagy
Enzyme mechanism and biological importance: Exemplified through the study of carbohydrate active proteins.
Practicals
• Isolation of recombinant beta-galactosidase from Escherichia coli
• Mechanism of beta-galactosidase activity
• Competitive and non-competitive inhibition of enzyme activity
Workshops
• Biochemical calculations
• Protein structure analysis
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Online via Canvas - A combination of short recordings of lecture material and text published on VLE |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 21:00 | 21:00 | Revision and preparation of coursework (70%) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Preparation of practical reports. (30%) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 5:00 | 10:00 | Working through protein and biochemical workshop tasks |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 3 | 5:00 | 15:00 | Online- Module lecturers will give information on directed reading. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | PiP - Students will be present in the laboratory for practical sessions |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Online- Protein workshop and biochemical workshop. For each, initial 1hr workshop with follow up 1hr |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 10 | 0:30 | 5:00 | Online- Q and A on lecture content. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 106:00 | 106:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The online lectures explain key biochemical and biophysical methods and concepts, outline illustrative examples, and introduce the biochemical problems. The practical classes follow a logical structure from protein isolation to kinetic characterisation to allow students to develop skills in the use of laboratory equipment and analytical techniques and are designed to enhance students' understanding of enzyme characterisation and to enable them to increase their confidence in collecting, manipulating (including numerical calculations) and presenting data using computers. The biochemical problems develop students’ understanding of biochemistry and enzyme kinetics. Private study is necessary for students to absorb information presented in lectures, to deepen their knowledge and understanding through reading supporting references, to assess their progress through completion of formative on-line quizzes, to prepare their practical reports and to prepare for the biochemical problems.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 30 | (3 sections, worth 10 % each) |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 70 | Exam will be changed to Coursework Assessment consisting of a worked problem and a longer answer question. |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Online self-test quizzes for biochemical problems |
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | Practical report feedforward throughout course |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Biochemical problems workshop |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | In-class test |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Formative assessment
The biochemical problems workshop provides an opportunity to develop a working understanding of key mathematical concepts in biochemistry with worked examples and feedback.
Online self-test quizzes allow students to evaluate their progress and learning through the course. Biochemical problems assess numeracy and understanding of key concepts.
Summative assessment
Exam will be changed to a coursework Assessment consisting of a worked problem and a longer answer question.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BIO2023's Timetable