Studying at York
Molecules of Life - BIO00029C
- Department: Biology
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: C
- Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
- See module specification for other years: 2024-25
Module summary
This module introduces the structure and function of fundamental biomolecules that are essential for life (nucleic acids, amino acids, lipids and carbohydrates). These are the molecules that are responsible for the transfer of genetic information in cell division, give structure to cells and store and transfer energy.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2023-24 |
Module aims
Biomolecules will be described from small scale, beginning with their basic building blocks through to their assembly into large macromolecules and the key functions each perform. Within the module you’ll learn how the structure of a protein influences how it functions, how lipids can control membrane flow and cell shape and the key metabolic processes involved in creating energy from different nutrients in our diet. Through using detailed case studies of biochemistry in action and experimental data, you will learn the role of biomolecules in cellular processes and their contribution to health and disease and biotechnology. For example how medicinal natural products can be produced from plants and how the dysregulation of key enzymes can result in metabolic disease. Upon completion of the module you’ll be able to apply your understanding of biochemistry across multiple fields of biology.
Module learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:
Describe the main biomolecules of the cell (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids), their function and how they are altered during cellular processes
Explain how fundamental metabolic pathways balance energy requirements within the cell and organisms
Relate knowledge of biological molecules to health and disease and to their application in biotechnology
Apply quantitative approaches to perform basic biochemical calculations
Analyse and interpret biochemical 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 summative assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Feedback will be either individual or cohort-level, depending on the assessment format. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.
For exam-style summative assessment, model answers will be provided for all questions along with cohort-level feedback indicating how students answered questions in general. Marks achieved per question will be added to your script.
For coursework assessments (eg. reports or essays) you will receive individual feedback on your work. This will usually be in the form of a feedback sheet that will include suggestions for further improvement.
During the teaching of the module you will receive formative feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Such 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.