Module Title:Biochemistry Biomolecules
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 4 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: This module will be taught in three theory classes of one hour duration and the equivalent of a two hour practical class per week. Classes may take the form of formal lectures or tutorial-type sessions. A range of teaching techniques will be used as appropriate, including worksheets, PowerPoint and other presentations. Factual material presented at theory classes will be reinforced, discussed and developed during practical classes.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to give the student a sound knowledge of basic biochemical molecules their structures and functions, and to develop basic laboratory technical and reporting skills with due regard to Health and Safety.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Describe the classification, structure and functions of major biochemical molecules.
LO2 Carry out basic biochemical techniques with due regard to safety in the laboratory
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
4504 SCIE H1111 Chemistry
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Basic concepts
The cell system and biomembranes. The properties and role of water
Amino Acids and Proteins
Classification and structure of amino acids. Polymerisation. Classification, structure and functions of proteins.
Carbohydrates
Classification, structure and functions of glucose, starch, glycogen and cellulose. Non-starch polysaccharides and glycoconjugates.
Lipids and the lipid bilayer
The structure and functions of simple, complex and derived lipids. The digestion and transport of lipids
Transport and ion gradients
Passive, facilitated and active transport. The sodium-potassium pump. Ion gradients
Vitamins
Fat-soluble and water –soluble vitamins; functions, deficiency states and toxicity.
Minerals
Macrominerals and trace minerals, biochemical role of minerals.
Practical
Health &Safety regulations and requirements. Practical classes will develop reporting and numerical skills as well as skills in the use of biochemical equipment and techniques including the following or similar; the preparation of solutions, dilutions and standard graphs; the use of pipettes, UV spectrophotometers and other laboratory equipment; biochemical analysis; chromatographic separation
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Practical40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
Special Regulation
Students must achieve a minimum grade (35%) in both practical/CA and final examination
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Examination A number of short assessments 1 10.00 n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Practical Laboratory Book 2 40.00 Every Week
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Two hour written final examination. 1 50.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Laboratory 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Estimated Learner Hours 15 Weeks per Stage 5.13
Total Hours 125.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_SABTP_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biosciences with Biopharmaceuticals 3 Mandatory
CW_SABRE_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Brewing and Distilling 3 Mandatory
CW_SABFQ_D Bachelor of Science in Biosciences 3 Mandatory
CW_SASCI_C Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry 3 Group Elective 1