Module Title:Biochemistry 1: Metabolism
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:7
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: This module will be delivered via a two theory classes of one hour duration for 12 weeks and one two-hour practical every week for 12 weeks. Students may be required to access the material via Blackboard in advance of the class and practicals to encourage active learning. To consolidate lectures and practicals, students will be required to carry out assignments, take formative quizzes and multiple choice questions. Group and peer learning will be facilitated during the preparation of assignments and practicals. Any course-related issue or questions that may arise will be discussed at lectures. Students can contact lecturer outside of class hours to discuss formative feedback given on written reports and group project work. The practical component will: • Allow students to develop the required technical competencies, attitudes and behaviours. • Develop problem solving abilities and group skills. • Promote deep learning via investigation of a problem, application of prior knowledge and analysis of results thus generating new knowledge. • Promote timely submission of reports written in the standard format. • Allow individual interaction with the lecturer.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to expand the students knowledge of biochemical processes, systems and structures.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Describe the synthesis, structure, function and interactions of major biomolecules.
LO2 Describe and elucidate the major metabolic pathways; explain how metabolism is controlled and metabolic diseases occur.
LO3 Carry out a range of biochemical analysis in the laboratory with due regard to health and safety. Develop individual and team based biochemical analysis skills.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
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.
Successful completion of year 2 or equivalent.
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Theory
Biomolecules and biomolecular synthesis, structure and function. Animal, plant and bacterial polysaccarides. Glycoproteins and glycolipids in membranes, energy stores and in membranes. Specialised lipids. Major enzyme groups and modes of action. Importance of cofactors including minerals and vitamins. Enzymology: reversible and irreversible inhibition. Ki. Allosteric enzymes.
Metabolism and metabolic disease:
Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis: Review of both processes; What happens during periods of low oxygen; use of sugars other than glucose. Citric acid cycle: Review of the Citric Acid pathway; how it intersects with other metabolic pathways. Electron transport and ATP synthesis: obtaining energy from glucose. The pentose phosphate pathway and glycogen metabolism: Glucose 6-phosphate: the central component of the pentose phosphate pathway, glycogen metabolism. Regulation of carbohydrate pathways; interactions between anabolic and catabolic pathways, energy storage.
Practical
Students will build on biochemical skills developed to date and apply these in areas such as adsorption, thin-layer chromatography of lipids, enzyme analysis, enzyme assays, protein analysis and identification. Electrophoresis, crude protein extraction and chromatography.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
Project20.00%
Practical30.00%
Special Regulation
Students must achieve a minimum grade (35%) in both the CA/project and practical
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other Multiple choice questions and short answer questions will be used to assess student progress in Semester 1. 1,2 50.00 n/a
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Students will write an in-depth project on any aspect of Biochemistry in Semester 1. The topics may be chosen by the lecturer or the student. 1,2 20.00 n/a
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Students will submit their Practical laboratory books after each laboratory practical for feedback. 3 30.00 Every Week
No End of Module Formal Examination

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 5 Mandatory
CW_SABFQ_D Bachelor of Science in Biosciences 5 Mandatory