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 key concepts in the control of metabolism, metabolic processes and introductory enzyme kinetics as well as to develop basic laboratory technical, numerical 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
Explain how metabolism is controlled by enzymes and other mechanisms
LO2
Outline central metabolic pathways and the synthesis of ATP
LO3
Recognise the role of buffers in biochemistry
LO4
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
Buffers in biochemistry
The ionic product of water, buffers and buffering capacity, the Henderson Hasselbalch equation, the preparation of buffers, the blood buffering system
Enzymology
Classification and mode of action of enzymes. Factors influencing enzyme activity. Introduction to enzyme kinetics; Km, Vmax and Kcat, the Michaelis-Menton and Lineweaver-Burk plots
Introductory Metabolism
Definition, anabolic and catabolic metabolism. Methods of metabolic control
Metabolic Pathways
Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Introduction to citric acid cycle, the electron transfer chain and β-oxidation. Ketosis. Amino acid catabolism
Bioenergetics
ATP synthesis. The yield of ATP from central catabolic metabolism
Practical
The first class will cover Health &Safety regulations. Further classes will include exercises on the following or similar; the preparation and testing of bufffers, basic biochemical extraction and separation, enzymatic assays and the determination of the Km and Vmax of an enzyme. Students will also gain experience in biochemical calculations, plotting curves and laboratory report writing.
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
10.00%
Practical
40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
50.00%
Special Regulation
Students must achieve a minimum grade (35%) in both the practical/CA and final examination
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Examination
A number of short assessments
1,2
10.00
n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation
Practical Laboratory Book
3,4
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
1,2,3
50.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment