CH2PC2-Aspects of chemical biology

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr John McKendrick
Email: j.e.mckendrick@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces the concepts and general principles relating to chemical biology. This is are large and generally ill-defined area at the interface between Chemistry and Biology. It is this interface that this module will explore as various topics in this field are explored and the Chemistry and Biology underpinning the work is explored and placed in context. This module explores work at the research end of the Pharmaceutical spectrum and as such gives a glimpse of how new  targets and ideas may be found that mark the very beginning of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient discovery and development.

Aims:

1. To introduce the field of Chemical Biology and outline its scope and the issues that arise from this diversity;


2. To explore aspects of chemical biology to see how it can be approached from a chemistry point of view or a Biology point of view;


3. To understand some simple applications of chemistry to explore a biology problem;


4. To explore how Biological techniques may be deployed to probe a biochemical problem prior to a defined molecular entity is identified.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Appreciate the importance of Chemistry in biology.

Understand some topical examples of chemistry in action in a biological environment.

Be familiar with the main functional elements of biology – Proteins/Enzymes; DNA/RNA and Lipids and some of the chemical principles that underpins these.

Additional outcomes:

Through problem-based learning and self-directed learning the student will develop communication skills and the development of self-learning skills for lifelong learning. Through directed reading the student will learn to survey, retrieve and organise published relevant material from electronic and other sources. Students will develop advanced preparative and analytical chemistry skills, particularly within bioinorganic chemistry, as well as problem-solving skills.

Outline content:

A series of topics from the current Chemical Biology literature will be explored. The module will feature instructor led classes and student led discussion topics.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course content will be provided through a mixture of formal lectures, workshops / seminars. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided and facilities for computer-aided literature searching for additional relevant materials will enable students to improve their own learning skills.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		80
Total hours by term	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:

Coursework: Students will attend workshops on problems and case studies. These will be issued in advance for discussion and interpretation in groups on the day of the workshop.

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 (but see progression requirements in programme specifications). Attendance of workshops and practical classes is compulsory for the coursework mark to be included in the assessment.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is based on coursework (50 %) and presentation (50 %). For students who have achieved a pass in any part of the coursework at the first attempt, the mark will be carried forward to the reassessment.

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