PM1MPAS1-Clinical and Metabolic Biochemistry

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: BI1AP12 Anatomy & Physiology and BI1BP2 Pathology and BI1S1 Introductory Microbiology and PM1PCOL1 Principles of Drug Action
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Graeme Cottrell
Email: g.s.cottrell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide you with an overview of the major metabolic pathways in biological systems, health and disease and how these concepts are applied to diagnosis and the creation of therapeutic agents. It will develop your knowledge of the immune system and how antibodies are used to diagnose and treat disease. The module touches on a variety of concepts that will allow you to apply knowledge from other modules, specifically the modules Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Medical Microbiology and the Building Blocks of Life.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of biochemical science in biological systems and disease, and how these concepts are used to create medicines with an appropriate therapeutic response.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Provide an overview of the major metabolic pathways and outline their role in biological systems, health and disease.


2. Explain the basic principles of biochemistry in biological systems and for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.


3. Follow a standard operating procedure (SOP) to generate accurate data and evaluate biochemical data.

Additional outcomes:

During the module, students will:

Use knowledge from core medical science modules to develop in depth understanding of the use of biochemical concepts in medical and wider health care practice.

Outline content:

The module will provide lectures, workshops and practical classes that cover biochemical topics including enzymes, protein structure and function, carbohydrates, lipids and fatty acids, and immunology.

The topics will link with core teaching from the Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Medical Microbiology and the Building Blocks of Life modules.  Students will be supported to embed their learning through practicals and case study-based learning, and relate this to their future medical and medical-related practice.

Practicals will focus on two main topics, specifically ‘Enzymes and Enzyme Inhibition’ and ‘Quantification of Proteins in Biological Samples’.

Case study-based learning workshops will be used to explore a variety of topics including, but not limited to: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and biological molecules as diagnostic tools and medicines.

Global context:

Impact of biochemical knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module uses a mix of learning environments, including lectures, tutorials and case study based workshops using problem based learning methods.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		18
Tutorials		1	1
Practicals classes and workshops		6
Supervised time in studio/workshop		6
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)		10
Exam revision/preparation			25
Advance preparation for classes		10
Revision and preparation		5
Group study tasks		10
Reflection		8
Total hours by term	0	74	26
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Practical skills assessment	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A 2-hour end of module written examination.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The module will include 1 set exercise associated with a spring term practical that is summatively assessed.

Formative assessment methods:

The module will include 3 set exercises associated with the spring term practicals and workshops that are formatively assessed.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

An overall module mark of 40% will be required

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment of coursework will be by resubmission of coursework or submission of equivalent pieces of work, as appropriate.  Reassessment of departmentally and university administered examinations will be by written examination, as appropriate.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books A wide variety of textbooks are available from the University library.  Students are not expected to purchase additional texts for this module

2. Printing and binding There may be some printing costs linked to coursework – final submission will be electronic

Last updated: 22 September 2022