LSC-10056 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Knowledge of structure and function in biological systems underpins the biomedical and biological sciences and is underpinned by the chemical structures, reactions and interactions of the molecules involved. In this module all these key elements are brought together, illustrated by examples from major biological pathways and processes studied in complimentary modules.
Core material will be delivered on-line to maximise flexibility and inclusivity. Topics covered will include: atomic and molecular structure, biological macromolecules, interactions and reactions, metal chemistry in biological systems and a selection of analytical approaches.
Online material is fully supported with regular, live tutorials and workshops which will provide you an opportunity to explore these topics in more detail with your tutors and fellow students. You can take part in live seminars, interactive group discussions, molecular graphics demonstrations to explore 3D structures in detail, tutorials, problem solving and workshop sessions specifically directed towards both the analytical approaches taught across this module and the 3-D structure of selected macromolecular building blocks. These analytical approaches have many applications throughout the chemical, biological and biomedical sciences in both postgraduate study and industry.
The concepts and ideas that you will explore will also support and enhance your other Level 4 modules, and provide a firm basis for future modules at Levels 5 and 6.

The aim of the module is to impart knowledge of and promote understanding of structure, bonding and polymerisation in biological macromolecules and their constituent building blocks, alongside analytical approaches for their characterisation and key chemical reactions and interactions which underpin structure and function in the biosciences.

Intended Learning Outcomes

recognise the relationship between Lewis notation, atomic and molecular orbitals, hybrids, valency, bonds and stereochemistry in simple organic molecules and biologically important functional groups: 1
explain, compare and contrast structure, bonding and stereochemistry in proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, oligo/poly saccharides and lipids and their constituent building blocks: 1
describe in outline, the methodology, advantages and limitations of methods used to determine protein structure, in particular x-ray crystallography: 1
explain the roles and interactions of metals in selected biological systems: 1
describe the instrumentation and methodology of various analytical techniques including mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, cryo-EM, neutron scattering and chromatography: 1
analyse and interpret experimental data from some or all of the following analytical techniques: mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, cryo-EM, neutron scattering and chromatography: 1
describe in detail, using appropriate chemical notation, the catalytic and regulatory strategies of enzymes, the roles of cofactors and coenzymes in activity and the reaction mechanism of named enzymes including proteases and kinases: 1
demonstrate knowledge of the structure, reactions, interactions and roles of important functional groups in the context of the structure and function of biological macromolecules: 1
recognise and explain, using appropriate chemical notation, standard biochemical reactions including substitution, addition, elimination and condensation: 1

Study hours

IN-SITU LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
17 hours live sessions (demonstrations, seminars, tutorials, discussions, workshops)
ASYNCHRONOUS DIRECTED LEARNING:
11 x 6 hours engagement with asynchronous content (including consumption, wider reading and note taking)
INDEPENDENT STUDY & ASSESSMENT:
02 hours formative class test in open book 9-5 session format
02 Hours end of module examination in an open book 9-5 session format
63 Hours independent study including preparation for formative test and final exam.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment