BGM1002 : Biochemistry
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Lindi Chen
- Lecturer: Dr Christina Elliott, Dr Simon Whitehall, Mr Wouter Peeters, Dr David Bolam, Dr Jon Marles-Wright, Professor Debra Bevitt, Professor Heath Murray, Dr Simon Wilkinson
- 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 | |
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.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Formative assessment (mid-semester). Online via Inspera. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 28 | 1:00 | 28:00 | In person lectures |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Carbohydrate revision activities. Non-synchronous online |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | In person Seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 112:00 | 112:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and guided reading. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introduction to module |
| Guided Independent Study | Distance Learning Advance Preparation | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Advance preparation for seminars |
| Total | 150:00 |
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.
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 | 100 | In 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 Examination | 1 | M | In 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BGM1002's Timetable