BS332-6-AU-CO:
Biomembranes and Bioenergetics
2018/19
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 04 October 2018
Friday 14 December 2018
15
-
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
BS229
(none)
BSC C700 Biochemistry,
BSC C701 Biochemistry (Including Placement Year),
BSC C703 Biochemistry (Including Year Abroad),
BSC CR00 Biochemistry (Including Foundation Year)
Biomembranes are of fundamental importance in determining the organisation and functioning of living cells. The aims of this course are to introduce students to basic composition and biophysical properties of biomembranes and how they are associated with cellular activities. The second focus of the course is on the principles underpinning energy transduction and storage by biomembranes and the role of electrochemical gradients in cellular function.
These aims will be explored in the context of lipid and membrane protein structure and how it translates into the activity of biological membranes. Biophysical and biochemical methods to study membranes will be discussed alongside the specific roles of membranes in the signal transduction, ion and solute transport and energy storage in cells.
Energy generation and transformation by membranes is an essential feature of all cells: membrane electron transport processes will be discussed (with particular attention being given to respiratory and photosynthetic processes), together with the chemiosmotic theory for ATP synthesis by membranes. A bottom up approach building from basic thermodynamics to observed macroscopic effects and biological function is taken. Particular emphasis is placed on the quantitative description of chemical free energy changes and electron transfer reactions allowing students to analyse and interpret biophysical data in the context of actual experiments.
Learning Outcomes:
In order to pass this module, students will need to be able to:
1. Describe the structure, organisation and biogenesis of biological membranes. Explain how physico-chemical properties of the lipids and proteins lead to the dynamic nature of biological membranes;
2. have comprehensive knowledge of the main characteristics of membrane proteins and their roles in membrane structure, transport and signaling;
3. demonstrate systematic understanding of how ions and solutes are transported across biological membranes and creation of membrane gradients and be able to solve practical problems relating to the above;
4. explain the principles of photosynthetic energy conversion and chemiosmotic theory of energy transduction by biological membranes;
5. demonstrate critical understanding of the thermodynamics underpinning these mechanisms;
6. demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the range of techniques used to study membranes and competence in the skills of practical lab work, data analysis and applications of equations and competence in the analysis and interpretation of discussed biophysical data;
7. understand the theory and practice of key techniques used in lipid and membrane protein research;
8. understand the theory and practical aspects of thermodynamics and kinetics;
9. demonstrate competence in data presentation, analysis and interpretation. Work effectively as part of a team to analyse and present experimental and theoretical data.
No information available.
No information available.
No additional information available.
Lectures: 18 hours
Revision workshop: 2 hours
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Exam |
Main exam: 180 minutes during Summer (Main 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
Prof Vassiliy Bavro, email: v.bavro@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Vassily Bavro, Dr Dima Svistunenko
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 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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