BIOCHEMISTRY

BIOCHEMISTRY

For Level 1 and 2 courses, please refer to entries under Biology

Level 3

BC 3804 - THE MOLECULAR CONTROL OF CELL FUNCTION
Credit Points
30
Course Coordinator
Dr I J McEwan

Pre-requisites

BI 20M1 and BI 25M1, CM 2008, CM 2512, BI 2002 and CM 2511 strongly recommended.

Overview

This course explores the molecular mechanisms involved in controlling cell function, emphasising the role of protein:protein interactions. A study of the structural proteins required to maintain cell structure and cell division is followed by an in-depth discussion of the enzymes involved in regulating metabolism and maintaining homeostasis within the cell. Ligand-receptor interactions and intracellular signalling pathways illustrate how the cell reacts to external signals, while a review of the extracellular matrix and cell adhesion leads to a discussion of the molecular basis of oncogenesis and cell differentiation.

Structure

7 one-hour lectures per week. 1 two-hour tutorial every 2 weeks and an average of 10 hours’ laboratory practical per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%) consisting of an essay and practical reports.
Students must pass both the course work and examination parts of the course.
Resit: As for main exam.

Level 4

BC 4012 - BIOCHEMISTRY A
Credit Points
30
Course Coordinator
Dr Berndt Mueller

Pre-requisites

BC 3804, BT 3004, MB 3003 + 30 other credit points at level 3.

Co-requisites

BC 4512, MB 4050.

Overview

The formal teaching comprises two options each 15h contact time. Each option will cover separate areas of Biochemistry working from the original literature under the supervision of 1-3 members of staff.

Structure

Two essays will be written and examined. All students are required to prepare for, and to attend, a reading party in the week prior to term. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 elements (33.3%), in-course assessment in the form of two essays, 4 elements (66.6%) in the form of a single three hour exam paper.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment and should contact the Course Co-ordinator for further details.

BC 4013 - BIOCHEMISTRY IMMUNOLOGY A
Credit Points
30
Course Coordinator
Dr Berndt Mueller

Pre-requisites

IM 3802, BT 3004, MB 3003 and GN 3502 OR MC 3504.

Co-requisites

BC 4513, MB 4050.

Overview

The formal teaching comprises two options each 15h contact time. Each option will cover seperate areas of Biochemistry working from the original literature under the supervision of 1-3 members of staff.

Structure

Two essays will be written and examined. All students are required to prepare for, and to attend, a reading party in the week prior to term. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 elements (33.3%), in-course assessment in the form of two essays, 4 elements (66.6%)in the form of a single three hour exam paper.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment and should contact the Course Co-ordinator for further details.

BC 4512 - HONOURS BIOCHEMISTRY B
Credit Points
60
Course Coordinator
Dr A Schofield

Pre-requisites

BC 3804, BT 3004, MB 3003 and 30 other credit points at level 3.

Co-requisites

BC 4012, MB4050

Overview

The core element of the course is a research project that involves 9 weeks laboratory work, starting one week prior to the beginning of Semester 2, and production of a thesis. Assessment is on the basis of the performance in the laboratory, the thesis, and the project seminar. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 25 hours in the laboratory each week. Two research tutorials will be organised by academic staff and will be assessed by examination at the end of the semester. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Structure

9 weeks project work @ 25 hours per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 @ 2 hours, 1 @ 3 hours and 1 @ 4 hours examinations at end Semester 2 (70%); in-course assessment (30%).

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment and should contact the Course Co-ordinator for further details.

BC 4513 - HONOURS BIOCHEMISTRY (IMMUNOLOGY) B
Credit Points
60
Course Coordinator
Dr A Schofield

Pre-requisites

BT 3004, IM 3802, MB 3003 and GN 3502 or MC 3504.

Co-requisites

BC 4013, MB4050

Overview

The core element of the course is a research project that involves 9 weeks laboratory work, starting one week prior to the beginning of Semester 2, and production of a thesis. Assessment is on the basis of the performance in the laboratory, the thesis, and the project seminar. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 25 hours in the laboratory each week. Two research tutorials will be organised by academic staff and will be assessed by examination at the end of the Semester. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Structure

9 weeks project work @ 25 hours per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 @ 2 hours, 1 @ 3 hours and 1 @ 4 hours examinations at end Semester 2 (70%); in-course assessment (30%).

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment and should contact the Course Co-ordinator for further details.