Module Details

Module Code: BIOL7003
Title: Biomolecules
Long Title: Biomolecules UCC module BC2001
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2009/10 ( September 2009 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: To introduce students to the chemistry of biomolecules.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the basic principles of stereoisomers and their importance in determining the chemical and physical properties of compounds.
LO2 Outline the role of water and pH and describe how hydrogen bonds are formed
LO3 Discuss the structure and function of amino acids and in particular how they can combine to form proteins.
LO4 Describe the characteristics of the different levels of protein structure and how such characteristics relate to the amino acid sequence
LO5 5. Describe what an enzyme is and the basis of its function. The student should also be able to understand basic enzyme kinetics and enzyme inhibition patterns of drugs
LO6 Discuss the structure of simple monosaccharides and the importance of chiral carbons.
LO7 Describe the formation of simple polysaccharides
LO8 Describe simple and more complex lipids and some of their roles in biology.
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).
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
Steroisomers
The concept of stereoisomers and how such molecules can have different properties despite having the same chemical formula. Examples of pharmaceutical products are used to illustrate concept.
Water and pH
The role of water as a biological constituent of life. The concept of pH ands its importance to biological systems. Hydrogen bonding.
Amino acids
An outline of the structure and function of amino acids with a focus on their chemical properties and how they can link together to form proteins.
Protein structure & function
Protein structure & function -Understanding primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structure with detailed examples of how such structures are dependent on amino acids sequence.
Enzymes and enzyme kinetics
Introduction to the concept of enzymes and their function including the role of the active site of the enzyme. Introduction to enzyme kinetics. The concept of enzyme inhibition and inhibitors.
Carbohydates and polysaccharides
Monosaccharides structure and function. Formation of simple polysaccharides
Lipids
Structure and function of simple lipids. Role of lipids in biology.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 1 Learning Outcomes  
Assessment Description
n/a
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Assessment Description
n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination

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 For 6 weeks Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact For 4 hrs for 3 weeks Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact For 6 weeks Every Week 1.00 1
Total Hours 5.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 5.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Lehninger, Cox & Nelson. Principles of Biochemistry, 4th. Worth.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SBISC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science 3 Mandatory