Unit name | Biochemistry: Cellular Composition |
---|---|
Unit code | BIOC10003 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Gus Cameron |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
A-level Chemistry or equivalent strongly advised |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Biochemistry |
Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
Biochemistry: Cellular Composition gives students the skills and knowledge needed to understand the structures and roles of the major constituents of cells: proteins, DNA and lipids. Topics covered include proteins as structural components, protein-ligand interactions, the nature of enzymes, the structure and replication of DNA, transcription and translation, protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression, viruses, rDNA technology and genomics, the structures and properties of lipids and membranes, and mechanisms of membrane transport.
The unit is supported by laboratory classes and small group tutorials that build ability and confidence in the practical, numerical and written skills required by scientists. This material is supported by online resources delivered through Blackboard and eBiolabs.
The unit is organised into three elements and will cover:
Element 1. Proteins: from form to function (15 lectures)
Water, pH and Buffers
Amino acids, polypeptides and protein structure
Proteins and ligands
Protein:protein interactions
Protein purification and analysis.
Enzyme assays and kinetics
Enzyme mechanisms
Membrane structure and compartmentation
Element 2. From DNA to genomes (12 lectures)
Structure of nucleic acids.
DNA replication in prokaryotes.
RNA synthesis and DNA transcription in prokaryotes.
tRNA and the genetic code.
Protein synthesis in prokaryotes.
Regulation of prokaryotic gene expression.
Regulation of eukaryotic gene expression
rDNA technology
Element 3. Membranes and Transport (5 lectures)
Membrane structure and composition
Mechanisms of membrane transport
The teaching in the unit is delivered through 32 lectures and is supported by practical sessions, tutorials and workshops.
The unit aims to develop an understanding the following areas:
The units aims to develop the following skills:
11. Logical deduction, calculation and the application of scientific method.
12. Presentation of scientific arguments both verbally and in written form in a clear and rigorous manner.
13. Completion of practical work using standard laboratory apparatus and demonstrate the proper use of scientific units.
14. Observation, measurement, calculation and interpretation of scientific data.
Lectures
Practicals
Tutorials
Workshops
The overall mark for the unit will be determined as follows:
Opportunities for formative feedback will be available on practical reports and tutorial work (normally practice exam questions), and through examination preparation sessions (workshops).
Intended learning outcomes will be assessed as follows:
Recommended reading includes the most recent editions of:
1.Biochemistry (Berg, Tymoczko & Stryer, Freeman, 7th Edition, ISBN-13: 978-1429276351).
2.Instant Notes in Biochemistry (Hames & Hooper, 4th Edition, ISBN-13: 978-3137842019).
3.Biochemistry (Voet & Voet, Wiley, 4th Edition, ISBN-13: 978-0470570951).
4.Principles of Biochemistry (Voet, Voet & Pratt, Wiley, 3rd Edition, ISBN-13 978-0470-23396-2)