Unit information: Biological Chemistry 1B: Powering Biomolecular Interactions in 2021/22

Unit name	Biological Chemistry 1B: Powering Biomolecular Interactions
Unit code	BIOC10002
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. van Aelst
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Biological Chemistry 1A
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Biochemistry
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

The overall aim of this unit is to extend training in the fundamental biomolecular concepts introduced in Biological Chemistry 1A. Specifically, the unit aims to provide coverage of the key concepts of biomolecular interactions. This includes ligand binding and enzyme catalysis, and the role of energy in driving biomolecular interactions including redox, photosynthetic and chemiosmotic concepts. In addition, the unit will also provide elementary training in mathematical techniques used in the analysis of biomolecular interactions. The unit also aims to familiarise students with the operation of academic biomolecular research practice including examples of current hot research topics, and to introduce elementary scientific writing skills. Together with Biological Chemistry 1A, the content of this unit provides a foundation for students going on to take all second year Biochemistry units and many other Faculty of Life Sciences I-level units. The general aims of the unit are:

• to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the key concepts describing and driving biomolecular interactions;
• to familiarise students with basic mathematical operations used in biomolecular research;
• to expose students to current biomolecular and biomedical research practice;
• to provide opportunities for students to engage in a range of scientific writing styles.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. An understanding of the basic concepts surrounding ligand binding and enzyme catalysis;
2. An appreciation for the different forms and role of energy in driving biomolecular interactions;
3. Knowledge of how biomolecular interactions are driven by redox, photosynthetic, proton gradient and thermodynamic processes;
4. Proficiency in the use of basic mathematical operations used in the analysis of biomolecular interactions.
5. An understanding of basic biochemical analyses and the use of simple laboratory apparatus;
6. Familiarity with the practice of biomolecular research within an academic environment;
7. An ability to comprehend, communicate and explain scientific knowledge and research methods within the field of biomolecular research at an elementary level in writing.

Teaching Information

The teaching in the unit is normally delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities including lectures, workshops and practicals

Assessment Information

Coursework 40%

Mid-sessional assessment: 20%

End of unit exam: 40%

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. BIOC10002).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.