BS131-4-SP-CO:
Biochemistry of Macromolecules
2024/25
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
04 July 2024
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)
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 and computer software.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Describe the key structural features of proteins and explain how protein structure relates to function
- Outline the basic principles of protein structural evolution
- Describe how ligand-binding equilibria may form the basis of diverse biological phenomena
- Describe the structures and functions of the major types of carbohydrates and lipids
- Demonstrate competence in the analysis and interpretation of data, written communication, biochemical methodology and calculation of biochemical parameters
Employability and Transferable Skills:
- Data analysis, interpretation and presentation
- Use of column chromatography for the separation of proteins
- Measure UV-VIS absorbance of protein samples using a spectrophotometer
- Prepare reagents following protocols
perform titrations
- Estimate single-substrate enzyme kinetic values
No additional information available.
This module will be delivered via:
- 24 x 1 hour lectures
- 1 revision class before MCQ
- 1 revision class before summer exam; 3 x 3 hour practicals
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 1 |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Achieve 2 |
|
5% |
| Practical |
Practical 1 Moodle Quiz |
|
30% |
| Practical |
Written Practical Coursework (Practical 2 & 3) |
|
60% |
| Exam |
MCQ exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 50 minutes during Early Exams
|
| 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 |
Reassessment MCQ exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 50 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
No external examiner information available for this module.
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.
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