BI3BAI8-Applied and Integrated Biochemistry

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Metabolic Biochemistry or Metabolic and Practical Biochemistry
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Chris Jones
Email: c.i.jones@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

How does biochemistry solve fundamental and medical biological problems? How far can biochemistry go to solve any problem? This module will build on the cellular/organ-focused biochemical concepts covered in part 1 and 2 to provide students with a wider understanding of the role and impact of biochemistry in pathology but also the general study and investigations of biological topics. The lecture content will discuss the biochemistry of selected pathologies (e.g. heart failure), microbial processes and pathologies, and cutting-edge analytical techniques (e.g. use of fluorescent techniques).

Aims:

To understand the role biochemistry and biochemical techniques have in understanding and solving current topical biological problems. 

 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Discuss the biochemical processes that underpin key human pathologies for example cancer, aging and neurological disorders.


• Describe, biochemically, how anti-microbial agents kill pathogens


• Give a detailed account of biochemical technologies (e.g. flow cytometry and fluorescent imaging) and how they can be used examine biological questions.


• Discuss the role of cutting-edge analytical techniques in studying biochemistry (e.g. next-generation sequencing, NGS)

Additional outcomes:

Students will have the opportunity to read and engage with primary literature.

Outline content:

This module will provide an opportunity to consider the role that biochemistry plays not only in human pathologies, but also in microbes, gene sequencing and the generation of new techniques to allow study of biological questions

Through the lectures in this module the following content will be discussed:

• The role biochemical processes have in selected human pathologies (e.g. cancer and aging) and how current and future treatment target these biochemical pathologies to improve outcomes.


• The mechanisms by which anti-microbial agents work at the biochemical level

How advanced analytical techniques (such as NGS) can be used to study key biological problems.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be 10 ~50 minute lectures and seminars to support assessment preparation. Additionally, students will be expected to use their free time to engage in background reading.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	4
Guided independent study:	86
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Oral assessment and presentation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The essay is 2500 words 50% of the total mark and will be handed in in the 3rd week of the spring term (50%)

Group presentation (50%)

Formative assessment methods:

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:

A mark of 40% overall 

Reassessment arrangements:

by coursework submission

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023