CHEM41140 Special Topics Biophysical Che

Academic Year 2022/2023

The module focuses on advanced knowledge of principles of molecular architecture of living matter, structural self-organization and functioning of biological systems including applications of the principles in modern industrial technologies (biomedical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, food and other). Working in small groups, students in conjunction with module coordinator will: select the advanced topics of interest; design a work plan; prepare and deliver a series of seminar presentations on the chemical principles within the selected topics (realised in biological systems, and applied in modern industries); prepare a comprehensive review (report) on the advanced topics. The choices of topics include: Diffusion and transport in biological systems, molecular motors; Rates of biomolecular processes and advanced principles of enzyme catalysis; Voltages, membrane potentials and actions of neurons; Biomolecular recognition, allostery; Biological membranes.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On the completion students will acquire knowledge of advanced chemical principles of organisation and functioning of living matter, the driving forces of biomolecular transformations, and the rational of the molecular architecture of biological systems. In addition the students will know applications of these advanced principles in modern industrial technologies (biomedicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food and other related industries). Using the project based approach students will progress their ability to perform comprehensive literature search and analysis, develop communication and presentation skills.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

12

Seminar (or Webinar)

12

Specified Learning Activities

12

Autonomous Student Learning

80

Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module includes the following activities:
Selection of a special topic in Biophysical Chemistry and development of work plan including a list of chapters/subjects covering the topic.
On-going work on chapter-by-chapter preparation of PowerPoint presentation of the topic. The progress is discussed at weekly group meetings and seminars.
Preparation of minutes (brief records) of group meetings and seminars submitted weekly.
Preparation of written advanced report (thesis) of the topic for submission at the end of the module. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Questions at presentations and seminars summaries Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Seminar: Presentations at seminars including Q/A Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

40

Essay: Advanced topic report Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

30


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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Overall and individual feedback is provided at weakly discussions of presentations.