BI1MB2-Metabolic Biochemistry

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: A Level Biology and GCSE Mathematics
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: BI1BAB2 Metabolic and Practical Biochemistry
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Craig Hughes
Email: c.e.hughes@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is all about energy.  Metabolism is a term encompassing the fundamental processes for life; the extraction of energy from food molecules for use in cellular processes and growth.  When it becomes dysregulated it underlies diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  This is all controlled by enzymes.  This module will cover how enzymes work and how they are fundamental for regulating all steps in metabolic pathways.  You will also gain first-hand experience of studying enzymes in the laboratory.  You will learn about a number of metabolic pathways and about how they interact and cross-over with each other dynamically in response to the energy needs of the cell.

Aims:
This module aims to provide the student with an overview of metabolic pathways and an understanding of the ways in which metabolic processes are regulated. The associated practical work aims to give hands-on experience of enzyme assays at the laboratory bench. Associated data handling aims to provide tuition in handling calculations essential for basic enzyme analysis.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will 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  • Apply knowledge of enzyme kinetics during practical sessions

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

Outline content:

his module will provide a fundamental understanding of metabolic processes in cells. The key pathways will be presented, the function of enzymes will be addressed and the manner in which biochemical processes are controlled will be highlighted. In addition, practical methods for assay of enzymes will be carried out at the laboratory bench, and data handling tuition provided. The module is designed to provide essential background on biochemical metabolic pathways that will enable students to comprehend biochemistry-related modules encountered later in their course. The Lecture Content covers: • The structure and function of enzymes • Basic enzyme kinetics • Control of enzyme activity and hormonal control of metabolism • Carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism • Lipoproteins and cholesterol metabolism • Amino acid metabolism • Integration of metabolism  • Genetically-determined inborn errors of metabolism • Environmental influences on metabolism The Practical Content covers: • Determination of Km and Vmax of an enzyme • Tuition/guidance for calculations and writing reports

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be two 50 minute lectures (divided by a short break) each week of the term (20 lectures in total). Students will each attend one 2-hour practical class, and one 2-hour seminar to provide tuition with calculations and report writing.

Students will spend 2 hours performing experiments in the laboratory. They will submit one practical report for assessment and will be expected to use their free time to engage in background reading.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One-and-a half-hour examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Late arrivals may not be allowed to join practicals for reasons of safety.

Formative assessment methods:

During the practical calculation session students will have the oppurtunity to receive feedback on their data and calculations. There will also be an end of year practice MCQ to help students prepare for their exams.

Penalties for late submission:

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be via coursework resubmission and re-examination.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  Biochemistry textbooks are available in the library or to purchase ~£40 

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  In compliance with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 1992 Act, while studying this module students will be expected to wear a lab coat. The Department/School can provide students with this/these at a cost of £1 (hire per session) and £12 (to purchase). Students who choose not to purchase from the University must ensure that that their PPE meets the latest British/European Safety Standards.

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 10 June 2024