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BIOC20060

Academic Year 2024/2025

Biochemistry in Action (BIOC20060)

Subject:
Biochemistry
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Jana Haase
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is part of the stage 2 curriculum for the BSc degree programme in Biochemistry and a number of related disciplines. The module aims to stimulate interest in the subject of Biochemistry, giving the students a flavour of the breath of the subject as well as introducing them to current research trends in Biochemistry. Main topics covered through lectures include: transporters and transport processes; protein structure and function in health and disease; differentiation, growth, homeostasis and repair; proteins/peptides as therapeutics and diagnostics. In addition, students will work on a self-selected project (in groups of 4-5 students) exploring specific proteins relevant to a variety of biological processes and/or diseases.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the role of proteins and enzymes in a variety of biochemical processes; 2. Characterise the function of various proteins in physiological processes and disease; 3. Develop competencies in self-directed group learning and presentation skills

Indicative Module Content:

Lecture list:
1 Module Intro
2 Transport across membranes - introduction
3 ABC transporters
4 SLC transporters, nutrient transport
5 Transporters in the brain
6 Transporter research - a biochemist's approach
7 Protein structure – CFTR and Haemoglobin
8 Protein mis-folding and accumulation: Alzheimer’s disease, prion diseases
9 Heat shock proteins and their role in diseases: (immunodominant antigen in infection; role in autoimmune disease)
10 Subject presentation - Biochemistry
11 Serine proteases and Blood clotting
12 Proteomics and protein research
13 The Cell Cycle: regulation by protein kinases and phosphatases
14 Cell Cycle checkpoints in regulation of cell division
15 DNA Damage & Repair pathways in health and disease
16 Circadian Clock and Cell Cycle: interconnected biological circuits
17 Stem cells and Stem cell differentiation
18 Antibodies – Immunotherapies. Antibodies as research tools
19 Diagnostic proteins and peptides in human disease
20 Fluorescent proteins and applications
21 Peptides as biotherapeutics
22 Recombinant proteins and peptides. Bioprocessing

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Small Group

10

Specified Learning Activities

20

Autonomous Student Learning

50

Total

104


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be delivered through lectures (24) as well as a group project (small group work), which includes an peer feedback activity (peerScholar).

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Participation in Learning Activities: peerScholar activity Week 1, Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
15
No
Group Work Assignment: Submission of group project Week 7 Graded No
15
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Protein structure model Week 8 Graded No
10
No
Exam (In-person): End-of-trimester exam (MCQ, TF questions) End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
60
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will engage in a peer feedback activity (peerScholar) as part of the group project. Feedback will be given to groups of students on the final group project through VLE. The class will be asked to provide feedback (peer review activity) on group project presentations. Test exam questions will be provided through VLE with automated feedback in Brightspace and in-class during review lecture prior to end-of-semester exam. If requested, individual feedback will be given to students post-assessment.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Siobhán McClean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Margaret McGee Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jens Rauch Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 25 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 26 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 29, 30 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 31, 32, 33 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 31 Fri 11:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 14:00 - 14:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 14:00 - 14:50