AP0407 - Biochemistry

You will learn through a combination of lectures, workshops (where you will be engaging in problem based learning), directed reading and independent learning. These together will provide you with an understanding of the chemical concepts that underpin the structure and function of biological molecules including carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins and their function as enzymes. Workshops will give you an opportunity to engage in active learning as will the use of laboratory practicals which will be used to support your understanding of some of the key principles that underpin the structure to function relationships of some of these biologically relevant molecules.

The module tutor will provide you with a module guide that will contain all the relevant information about the content of the sessions for this module, assessments, deadlines, sources of information and specific details of what you are expected to learn from the module. Lecture presentations and other relevant documents will be made available via the electronic Learning Portal (Blackboard). Support for your learning in this module will include feedback during practical sessions by tutors on your practical skills. Guidance on data presentation and interpretation skills will be given in workshops. In addition, tutors will provide a series of questions for you to attempt (problem-based learning during lectures and self-directed study) which will give you an opportunity to understand your weaknesses and strengths and assist your improvement. Your tutors will also use the eLearning portal to post the answers to any questions that arise during the course that they feel would benefit the class as a whole. Finally, the eLearning portal will also be used by tutors to communicate any important information relating to the course. You will also be encouraged to discuss any areas of weakness with the course tutors as and when necessary. Learning resources including electronic reading lists will be made available to students to support their learning journey.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will gain specific knowledge of the structure and function of the major biologically relevant modules including nucleic acids, carbohydrate, lipids and proteins and how these contribute to cellular structure and function.
2. Carry out basic biomedical laboratory procedures with due regard for risk assessment, health and safety regulations.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will be expected to be able to retrieve, summarise, interpret and report data from multiple sources.
4. Develop an awareness of risk assessment.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Development of a curiosity and spirit of enquiry in the subject area through independent study and research.

You will be assessed using two methods:-

The first will be by online coursework in which you will be expected to interpret practical data gained in the laboratory.
This will be worth 40% of the module mark and will test your ability to present, interpret and understand the significance of data (tests MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5).

The second will be by one examination using multiple choice questions. This will be worth 60% of the module mark and will test your specific knowledge and understanding of the topic area (tests MLOs 1 & 5).
You will be supported in preparing for these assessments via formative feedback obtained during the laboratory sessions and formative exercises delivered via the eLearning Portal which will include multi-choice quizzes and problem-based question sets.

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Understanding how living systems operate at the molecular level is key to understanding the biochemistry of life. This important field of knowledge is both exciting and dynamic and contributes to all other life sciences such as biomedical sciences, human bioscience, medicine, genetics, nutrition, biology and biotechnology to name but a few. This module will provide students with an important and invaluable introduction biochemistry, namely to the structure and function of the principal molecular components of living systems, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, the actions and properties of enzymes will be studied. This will provide students with a solid foundation for further study of the molecular basis of living systems.