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BMOL20110

Academic Year 2024/2025

Biomolecular Sciences (BMOL20110)

Subject:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Jens Rauch
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is part of the stage 2 core curriculum for all SBBS BSc degree programmes and a number of related disciplines. The course introduces students to fundamental building blocks for the molecules of life: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Students will learn how molecular structure dictates the functional properties of these molecules, and how dysfunctional biomolecules can result in disease. The concept of biochemical catalysis and the properties of enzymes will be introduced. Additionally, the module introduces basic concepts of cellular metabolism and immune response. Main topics include: amino acids, protein structure, carbohydrates, lipids and membrane structure; enzymes and cofactors; enzyme mechanism, kinetics and regulation, energy metabolism, amino acid and lipid metabolism, introduction to molecules and processes of the immune response.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Relate the structural properties of amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids to the cellular function of these biomolecules; 2. Describe the different types of proteins secondary structure and provide examples of protein tertiary structures; 3. Characterise the structure and function of antibodies, myoglobin, haemoglobin, molecular motors and appreciate relationships between protein dysfunction and disease; 4. Characterise the components and properties of biological membranes; 5. Describe the characteristics and mechanism of enzymes and co-enzymes, and explain the kinetics and regulation of enzyme-catalysed reactions; 6. Describe fundamental pathways of energy metabolism as well as amino acid and lipid biosynthesis; 7. Outline fundamental principles of immune response.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Lectures

32
Tutorial

4
Online Learning

10
Total

106

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; Reflective learning; Enquiry & Problem-based learning

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
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Three in-trimester online MCQ tests (3x10%) Week 3, Week 8, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

30

 No
Exam (In-person): 2hr end of trimester exam. Multiple-choice questions covering whole module content End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

70

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

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

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Derek Costello Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jana Haase Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Seema Nathwani Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor David O'Connell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jens Rauch Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Margaret Worrall Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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