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BIOC40220

Academic Year 2025/2026

Hot topics in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BIOC40220)

Subject:
Biochemistry
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Gerard Cagney
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In this module Stage 4 students focus on emerging ‘hot topics’ in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, through evaluation of scientific papers, group presentation and discussion, the preparation of a lay summary, and an investigation into the sociology of science.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

1. Critically evaluate topical high impact scientific papers.

2. Work as part of a team to assess scientific papers, and to present and defend your findings to a peer group of other students.

3. Prepare written and visual presentation of your summary and assessment suitable for lay and non-specialist scientific audiences.

4. Investigate an aspect of the sociology of science through either: a) an interview with a scientist; b) a survey; or c) a personal video.

Indicative Module Content:

Individual students critically analyze a topical research paper, chosen by them.

Students participate in teams to evaluate and present the findings of research papers from the assigned Hot Topic theme, and answer questions from other teams.
 
Individual students also prepare a 'News and Views' style article summarizing the state of their hot topic for a non-specialist but scientific audience.

Finally, individual students investigate an aspect of the sociology of science through either: a) an interview with a scientist; b) a survey; or c) a personal video.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

18
Seminar (or Webinar)

8
Specified Learning Activities

100
Total

126

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is a mixture of individual and group work, with an emphasis on critical evaluation of scientific publications by the individual student, combined with friendly, curiosity-driven team presentations in a Q&A format

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

BIOC40080 Biochemical Research Strategies and Problem Solving


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
Assignment(Including Essay): Personal Mini-Project (Interview, Survey, or Video) Week 10 Graded No
25
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Scientific Paper Analysis Week 10 Graded No
25
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Individual Written Article Week 10 Graded No
25
 No
Group Work Assignment: Team Presentation Week 10 Graded No
25
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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