BI1BB2: Biochemistry and Metabolism

Module Provider:

School of Biological Sciences

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

C (Certificate)

Terms in which taught:

Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr PD Darbre

Pre-requisites:

BI1BA1

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

AM1P14

Module version for:

2007/8

Aims:
This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of the ways in which metabolic processes occurring within animal and microbial cells are regulated. The associated practical work aims to give hands-on experience of carrying out enzyme assays at the laboratory bench. Associated data handling aims to provide tuition in handling calculations essential for basic enzyme analysis.
(This module is the same as AM1P14 but is for non-Pharmacy students.)

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, the student will be expected to be able to:
• Describe basic metabolic pathways, anabolic and catabolic
• Use enzyme kinetics to evaluate enzyme activities and their regulation
• Describe the principles of metabolic regulation
• Discuss the consequences of deranged metabolic control

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain practical experience of some simple biochemical techniques and develop an ability to work in the laboratory as a member of a small team.

Outline content:
This module is designed to provide essential background on biochemical metabolic pathways and to discuss how these pathways are regulated.
The Lecture Content covers:
• Protein structure and function, particularly in relation to enzymes.
• Basic enzyme kinetics
• Carbohydrate metabolism - glycolysis, glycogen breakdown, gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway
• Fatty acid breakdown and synthesis
• Lipoproteins and cholesterol metabolism
• Nitrogen metabolism and urea cycle
• Hormonal control of metabolism
• Integration of metabolism - how pathways interact, control of TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, disturbed metabolism in starvation
• Inborn errors of metabolism
The Practical Content covers:
• Use of an enzyme assay to measure lactate concentration in blood
• Determination of Km and Vmax of an enzyme
• Inhibition of enzyme activity
• Tuition with essential data handling and calculations used in enzyme analysis

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be two 50 minute lectures (divided by a short break) each week. Students will each attend three 2-hour practical classes on one of two consecutive weeks. Each practical class will be followed by a calculations class designed to help with calculations and report writing. Students will be expected to present written reports from each of the three practical classes.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework:
There are three pieces of assessed coursework: 1) the lactate practical class and 2) the Km/Vmax practical class 3) the enzyme inhibition class. Each piece of coursework will be assessed on the basis of attendance at the class and submission of a written report. In order to obtain a mark, it is necessary to both attend the classes and to submit the written reports. No mark will be given to the written report unless the attendance register has been signed at the relevant class. The report will be marked and then moderated by the unit coordinator.
Relative percentage of coursework: 20%
Examinations:
The part I examination will take the form of a multiple choice examination with 50 questions to be answered in one and a half hours. This contributes 80% of the overall assessment.
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in September only