BSc BIOCHEMISTRY

Title:

Building Blocks of Life

Code:

BI1BEC1

Convenor:

PROF Phillip Dash

Summary:

Genes and cells are the fundamental building blocks of all life. All life is made up of cells and their function is controlled by genes. In this module we will introduce students to the dynamic nature of the cell and major concepts in cell biology and genetics. Microbial, animal and plant cell structures are examined and compared during a tour of the structure and function of the major organelles. The module also provides an overview of major cellular processes including energy production, cell death, cell communication, photosynthesis, stem cells, organization of cells into tissues and how cells survive extreme environments. Alongside this understanding of cells we will also examine genetics and genetic tools to understand transcription and translation, inheritance and evolution, gene regulation and key experimental techniques such as genetic engineering.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Laboratory and Study Skills for Biomedicine

Code:

BI1BF1

Convenor:

DR Mike Fry

Summary:

• To provide training and experience in a range of basic laboratory techniques essential to a biomedical scientist and to develop the necessary mathematical and problem skills required to carry out experiments and to analyse data• To provide knowledge of how the biomedical profession is monitored and regulated• To help students develop effective time management and organisation, team work, communication and interpersonal skills and to encourage a self-learning approach to studying• To develop data graphing and computing skills• To gain knowledge of the careers of different types of Biomedical Scientists

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Practical 30%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Key Skills in Biomedicine

Code:

BI1BM12

Convenor:

DR Lizzy Lander

Summary:

Alongside gaining in-depth biological knowledge in other modules, developing transferrable skills is essential for your development as a Biologist. This module focuses on providing a common foundation in transferable skills relevant to increasing success whilst studying at university and in future careers.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Metabolic and Practical Biochemistry

Code:

BI1BAB2

Convenor:

DR Alice Pollitt

Summary:

The regulation of metabolism is fundamental to life.  From energy generation to the formation and breakdown of the building blocks which make up the human body (proteins, lipids and polysaccharides) these cellular metabolic processes are highly controlled and coordinated.  Supported by practical sessions this module will explore the critical principles that underpin metabolism and how these are studied in a laboratory setting.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Set exercise 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Introductory Microbiology

Code:

BI1S1

Convenor:

DR Geraldine Mulley

Summary:

This module provides students with an introduction to the discipline of Microbiology. Students will learn the fundamental biology of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi and viruses; their structure, replication, nutrition, the diverse environments where they live (including host-microbe interactions), and how some microbes benefit society (food production and biotechnology), whilst others cause disease. The module will also provide students with an understanding of how some microbes cause infections, the various ways to prevent and treat infectious diseases, and how microbes develop resistance to antimicrobials. Students will learn the techniques needed for safe handling of microbiological samples to isolate and purify bacteria and fungi from food samples in the laboratory.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Bacteriology and Virology

Code:

BI1BAC2

Convenor:

DR Geraldine Mulley

Summary:

This module builds on the Introductory Microbiology module (BI1S1) to explore the diversity of bacteria and viruses and their impact on health, medicine and biotechnology. Phenotypic and phylogenetic methods used to identify and classify bacteria are covered in lectures and practical classes and the impact of HGT on the genetic make-up and properties of bacteria considered. Key examples of selected bacteria highlighting their diversity and impact also reinforce understanding of the structure, function and metabolism of bacterial cells. The complexity and dynamic nature of bacterial communities is addressed including infection of bacteria by bacteriophage. Study of viruses continues with examples of human and/ or animal outbreaks that pose a major threat with focus on respiratory viruses and retroviruses, including HIV. The module concludes with a review of key recent events in Virology.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Fundamentals of Physics for Medicine

Code:

BI1EPM

Convenor:

DR Lindsey Thompson

Summary:

This module is designed for students with little or no recent background in physics and will provide students with basic knowledge of physics and its applications in biology. Lectures will provide a broad base of fundamental principles of Physics while practical sessions will give students a chance to gain some ‘hands on’ experience. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Set exercise 40%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Ancient Greek 1

Code:

CL1G1

Convenor:

MRS Jackie Baines

Summary:

This module aims to teach students some elements of the Ancient Greek language and give them skills to read Ancient Greek at an elementary level.

Assessment Method:

Exam 30%, Class test 70%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Physical Processes for Biologists

Code:

CH1PH2

Convenor:

DR Joanne Elliott

Summary:

You will develop your knowledge of the fundamental principles of Physical Chemistry by studying the core concepts of physical processes for biologists in some depth. In lectures you will learn key concepts and in workshops you will explore your understanding.    

Assessment Method:

Exam 75%, Set exercise 25%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

Code:

CH1OR2

Convenor:

DR Andrew Russell

Summary:

To introduce students to the basic concepts in organic chemistry in order to better appreciate related subjects such as Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry.

Assessment Method:

Exam 75%, Report 25%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Organic Chemistry for Biologists

Code:

CH1ORB

Convenor:

DR Andrew Russell

Summary:

To introduce students to the basic concepts of organic chemistry (to encompass the structure of organic compounds, isomerism, the concept of a functional group and the unifying concepts of mechanism) in order to provide the foundation for treatment at a greater depth in later modules or to better appreciate related subjects such as Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry.

Assessment Method:

Exam 75%, Class test 25%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Latin 1 (C)

Code:

CL1L1

Convenor:

MRS Jackie Baines

Summary:

This module aims to teach students some elements of the Latin language and give them skills to read Latin at an elementary level.

Assessment Method:

Exam 30%, Class test 70%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Introduction to Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

Code:

BI2BT5

Convenor:

PROF Liam McGuffin

Summary:

Bioinformatics is an essential part of modern biology. This module will provide students with introduction to the key concepts of bioinformatics and computational biology and it is aimed at second or third year students. The knowledge and core bioinformatics techniques that are taught will help to equip students with the vital computational and programming skills that are required for successful careers in many fields of modern biology. The module does not have any prerequisites and it will use practical examples to demonstrate the power of bioinformatics for enhancing research across the biological sciences at all levels; from molecular and cellular biology to zoology and ecology.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 10%, Project 50%, Report 40%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Physiological Biochemistry

Code:

BI2BPB5

Convenor:

DR Lizzy Lander

Summary:

This module takes the cellular biochemical concepts covered in part 1 and links this to understanding how biochemistry affects the functions of tissues and organs of the body, whether this be in health or disease. The lecture content will discuss the biochemistry of different organ systems/bodily processes and how biochemical actions dictate physiological outcomes (for example how does a working muscle use different fuels for different tasks). The focus of this module is therefore how cellular biochemistry produces organ system changes and their physiological outcomes. The practicals will focus on the technical application of biochemistry to study the enzymes of the liver and how this can be used to diagnose disease.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Set exercise 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Molecular Genetics

Code:

BI2BMG4

Convenor:

DR Eva Kevei

Summary:

This module extends understanding obtained in the Part 1 Building Blocks module on gene organisation, expression and control, and the methods used to study gene function. The module considers how chromosomes are organised and replicated, and how genes are expressed and regulated. We also provide understanding of and experience with the tools used to analyse genes and their encoded proteins at the molecular level using bioinformatic approaches and laboratory experiment.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Set exercise 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Key Skills in Biomedicine 2

Code:

BI2BM45

Convenor:

DR Renee Lee

Summary:

This module will provide students with tutorials and lectures in transferrable skills relevant to study and future careers in Biomedicine and related professions. These will include generic skills and also subject specific skills, and the content will build on and enhance the skills covered in key skills 1.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Cells and Immunity

Code:

BI2BC45

Convenor:

DR Mike Fry

Summary:

This module will build on molecular cell biology concepts introduced at Part 1 and will introduce new concepts that will form the foundation for further development in modules at Part 3. The aim will be to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of eukaryotic cell structure and function in molecular terms, focusing on cells in tissues and immune cells and the interplay that occurs between them during infection. The module will start by introducing a range of topics linked to cell function in all cell types and then will move on to consider these in the context of the functioning of the immune system during an infection in a tissue.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Report 30%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Code:

BI2BE4

Convenor:

DR David Leake

Summary:

Drugs do not work by magic – they work by nudging the control systems in our body so that some particular process will work either faster or slower. You will learn how drugs act by binding to the receptors for our normal signalling molecules, including neurotransmitters, and how drugs manage to reach these receptors after they have been ingested. You will also discover the ways in which various substances, including drugs, can damage the body (toxicology). There is a pharmacological practical for you to carry out to discover that the very simple molecule nitric oxide has regulatory functions all the time in our bodies (a practical which earned the scientists that performed it a Noble Prize).

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Report 30%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Protein Structure and Function

Code:

BI2BL5

Convenor:

DR Kimberly Watson

Summary:

To understand protein structure at the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary levels, the properties of amino acids and chemistry of polypeptides. To know the principles of methods for determining protein three-dimensional structure To be able to relate protein structure to function for important types of proteins. To gain experience of using molecular graphics tools and the Web to investigate the structure of a protein and its relation to function To understand the principles of enzyme catalysis (kinetics, thermodynamics and allostery).

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Assignment 20%, Practical 10%, Class test 10%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Venoms and Poisons

Code:

BI2EVP5

Convenor:

PROF Phillip Dash

Summary:

This module aims to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of venoms and poisons, including an introduction to important venomous and poisonous animals and poisonous plants, including the role of the venoms or poisons for defence or predation. This module will cover the evolution of venoms and poisons, the biochemistry underpinning their synthesis and mechanism of action, general principles of toxicology and an overview of their medical uses.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Endocrinology

Code:

BI2BB4

Convenor:

PROF Phil Knight

Summary:

This course aims to provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to the role of the endocrine system in regulating the activities of the major organ systems of mammals, with emphasis on man.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Project 15%, Class test 15%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Research Project - Biomolecular 40 Credit (B)

Code:

BI3PROB

Convenor:

DR Renee Lee

Summary:

The aim of project work is to provide the student with an experience of biological research through the design and execution of an individual project.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 5%, Oral 10%, Dissertation 75%, Project 10%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.