BS131-4-SP-CO:
Biochemistry of Macromolecules
2025/26
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Monday 12 January 2026
Friday 20 March 2026
15
22 January 2025
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BS211, BS281
BSC C700 Biochemistry,
BSC C701 Biochemistry (Including Placement Year),
BSC C703 Biochemistry (Including Year Abroad),
BSC CR00 Biochemistry (Including Foundation Year),
BSC B990 Biomedical Science,
BSC B991 Applied Biomedical Science (NHS placement),
BSC B995 Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad),
BSC B999 Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year),
BSC BD00 Biomedical Science (Including Foundation Year),
MSCIB099 Biomedical Science,
MSCIBA99 Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year),
MSCIBB99 Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C400 Genetics,
BSC C402 Genetics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C403 Genetics (Including Placement Year),
BSC CK00 Genetics (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C110 Biotechnology,
BSC C111 Biotechnology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C112 Biotechnology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C113 Biotechnology (Including Placement Year),
BSC C200 Human Biology,
BSC C201 Human Biology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C202 Human Biology (Including Placement Year),
BSC C220 Human Biology (Including Foundation Year),
MSCIC098 Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Including Year Abroad),
MSCIC099 Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Including Placement Year),
MSCICZ99 Biochemistry and Biotechnology,
BSC C555 Microbiology,
BSC C556 Microbiology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C557 Microbiology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C558 Microbiology (Including Placement Year),
BSC B101 Biomedical Studies,
BSC B102 Biomedical Studies (Including Placement Year),
BSC B103 Biomedical Studies (Including Year Abroad)
This module will investigate the structure and biochemistry of biologically-important macromolecules. The structure, function and evolution of proteins, and the properties of their building blocks, the amino acids will then be examined. Furthermore, how reversible binding of various ligand molecules to proteins relates to their biological role will be explored.
The structures of the main carbohydrates of life, the polysaccharides, and the properties of their building blocks, the monosaccharides will then be examined. Finally, the structures and functions of the major types of lipids, i.e. triacylglycerols, phospholipids, sphingolipids and steroids, will be explored, particularly in relation to membrane structure and hormone action.
The aims of this module are:
- To investigate the structure and biochemistry of biologically important macromolecules.
- To illustrate some basic experimental techniques used in biochemistry.
- To gain experience of a range of equipment.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Describe the structures and properties of the amino acids found in proteins.
- Outline the key structural features of proteins and explain how protein structure relates to function.
- Describe how ligand-binding equilibria may form the basis of diverse biological phenomena.
- Explain the Michaelis-Menten model of enzyme kinetics, including the effects of inhibitors, substrate concentration, temperature and pH on enzyme activity.
- Link the structures and functions of the major types of carbohydrates and lipids.
- Demonstrate competence in the analysis and interpretation of data, b) written communication, c) biochemical methodology and d) calculation of biochemical parameters.
No additional information available.
This module will be delivered via:
- 22 x 1 hour lectures
- 3 x 3 hour practical sessions
- 1 seminar
- 1 revision lecture
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Achieve Assignment |
|
30% |
| Practical |
Written Practical Coursework |
|
70% |
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 60 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 60 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Penny Beckerson, email: pbecke@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Victoria Allen-Baume
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
Yes
No
No
Prof Victor Alan Gault
Ulster University
Associate Dean Research and Innovation
Available via Moodle
Of 9 hours, 8 (88.9%) hours available to students:
1 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.
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