Studying at York
Molecular Biology & Biochemistry - BIO00004C
Module summary
The module covers the structure and function of fundamental biomolecules of a cell such as nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. The functionality and mechanisms of enzymes will be discussed in detail. Energy and metabolism is introduced by discussing the central role of ATP and coupling of biochemical processes, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, photosynthesis and related metabolic processes in plants, and concludes with a section on the integration of metabolism.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module aims to provide a strong foundation in molecular biology and biochemistry that will be built upon in subsequent modules. Core biological molecules will be examined with a focus on their structure and function. Teaching will be delivered using a combination of lectures, workshops and practicals. Problem solving and quantitative skills will be developed through complementary workshops using case studies, applications and examples based on lecture content. Experience of biochemical techniques such as chromatography and enzyme kinetics will be gained through practicals. The module will be aseessed by an open exam at the end of the module.
Module learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:
- Describe the main chemical components of cells, their structural properties, how these relate to their functions, and how they are altered during cellular processes
- Explain theoretical frameworks (such a Michaelis Menten kinetics, the laws of thermodynamics and the chemiosmotic theory) that allow us to understand function of biological molecules and cells
- Integrate knowledge about heterotrophic metabolism of carbohydrates & lipids and phototrophic metabolism and how they relate to energy metabolism via ATP
- Relate knowledge of biological molecules to health and disease and to their application in biotechnology
- Analyse and evaluate enzyme kinetics data
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
Marks for all assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Model answers will be provided for all Q&A type of assessments along with cohort-level feedback indicating how students answered questions in general. Individual comments will be added to your script and/or on a separate summary feedback document depending on the question type or assessment type. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.
During the teaching of the module you will receive feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Forms of feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.
Indicative reading
These are available through the VLE module site.