Module Details

Module Code: BIOL6024
Title: Structural Biochemistry
Long Title: Structural Biochemistry
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 9 programme(s)
Module Description: This module describes the molecular structure and properties of the major classes of biomolecules, emphasizing the relationship between molecular structure and biological function.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the molecular structure and properties of carbohydrates and lipids.
LO2 Describe the structure and functions of nucleic acids and proteins and explain the biochemistry of information flow from DNA to protein.
LO3 Perform analytical techniques for the quantitation of biomolecules and prepare buffer solutions
LO4 Write scientific reports to interpret analytical results and evaluate the precision and accuracy of laboratory data.
LO5 Perform data handling exercises and explain the importance of standards and controls in biological assays
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
12750 BIOL6024 Structural Biochemistry
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
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. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Carbohydrates
Biological functions of carbohydrates / Nomenclature / Stereoisomers in carbohydrate chemistry / Structure and properties of important monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides / Carbohydrate derivatives .
Lipids
Biological functions of lipids/ Classification / Structure of Fatty acids, Glycerides, Non-glycerol lipids and Complex lipids / Biological membranes (structure, transport)
Nucleic Acids
Biological functions of nucleic acids / Nomenclature / Chemical composition and structure of nucleotides / Structure and properties of DNA double helix / Packaging of DNA / Replication / Transcription / Translation /Mutations and repair mechanisms
Amino acids and proteins
Biological functions of proteins / Structure and properties of essential amino acids / Peptide bond formation / Protein folding; secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure / Protein denaturation / Protein analysis.
Practical skills
Preparation of laboratory buffers and solutions / Quantitation of biomolecules / Interpretation of analytical data / Estimation of precision and accuracy of experimental results
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Theory based assessment of lecture material
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Theory based assessment of lecture material
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Practical reports with theory assessment and data handling exercises
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Laboratory Exam
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact class-based instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact practical laboratory instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact study of lecture notes Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact report preparation, data-handling exercises Every Week 1.00 1
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • D. L. Nelson, M. M. Cox,. (2017), Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 7th. Freeman and Sapling, [ISBN: 9781464126116].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Krish Moorthy. (2007), Fundamentals of Biochemical Calculations, 2nd. CRC Press, [ISBN: 1420053574].
  • Lisa A. Seidman. (2008), Basic laboratory calculations for biotechnology, Pearson Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco, CA, [ISBN: 0132238101].
  • PC Engel, AR Leech, M Board,. (2010), Pain-free Biochemistry: An essential guide for the Health Sciences, Ebook. Wiley, [ISBN: 9780470722961].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SAGBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Biosciences 3 Mandatory
CR_SHERB_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Herbal Science 3 Mandatory
CR_SNHSC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science 3 Mandatory
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 3 Mandatory
CR_SAGBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Biosciences 3 Mandatory
CR_SBIBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology 3 Mandatory
CR_SFSTE_7 Bachelor of Science in Food and Health Science 3 Mandatory
CR_SCEBS_8 Common Entry Biological Sciences 3 Mandatory
CR_SBIOS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biosciences 3 Mandatory