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Unit information: Biochemistry: Cellular Composition (Honours) in 2026/27

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

Unit name Biochemistry: Cellular Composition (Honours)
Unit code BIOC10008
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Dr. Gus Cameron
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

A-level Chemistry or equivalent strongly advised.

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

BIOC10007 - Fundamental Skills for Biochemists

Units you may not take alongside this one

None

School/department School of Biochemistry
Faculty Faculty of Life Sciences

Unit Information

Why is this unit important?

Biochemistry: Cellular Composition (Honours) gives students on Biochemistry honours programmes the skills and knowledge needed to understand the composition and structures of the major constituents of cells: proteins, DNA and lipids. The unit covers fundamental aspects of molecular biochemistry, including enzyme activity, DNA replication and translation, and the synthesis of proteins.

Lectures on the content of the unit are supported by workshops and laboratory classes that give opportunities for interactive learning and the development of experimental and analytical skills.

How does this unit fit into your programme of study?

This unit provides a basic grounding in the nature and attributes of the molecules and macromolecules that make up cells, tissues and organisms. Such insights are fundamental to all degree programmes offered by the School of Biochemistry, providing a basic platform on which study in subsequent years is built.

Your learning on this unit

An overview of content

Topics covered in this unit include:

  • Water, pH and Buffers
  • Amino acids, polypeptides and protein structure
  • Proteins and ligands
  • Protein:protein interactions
  • Enzyme assays and kinetics
  • Enzyme mechanisms
  • Biological membranes, channels and transporters
  • Structure of nucleic acids.
  • DNA replication in prokaryotes.
  • RNA synthesis and DNA transcription in prokaryotes.
  • tRNA and the genetic code.
  • Protein synthesis in prokaryotes.
  • Regulation of prokaryotic gene expression.
  • Regulation of eukaryotic gene expression
  • rDNA technology

How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?

At the end of the unit a successful student will be able to:

  1. Compare and contrast the structures and properties of amino acids and proteins.
  2. Discuss the relationships between protein structure and function.
  3. Solve simple problems concerning enzyme activity and enzyme kinetics.
  4. Outline the structures of nucleic acids and the replication of DNA.
  5. Answer questions concerning transcription, translation and protein synthesis.
  6. Give examples of how gene expression is regulated.
  7. Describe the structures and replication of viruses.
  8. Give an outline of rDNA technology and genomics.
  9. Explain membrane structure, compartmentation and transport

The units aims to develop the following skills:

  1. Logical deduction, calculation and the application of scientific method.
  2. Communication of scientific arguments in a clear and rigorous manner.
  3. Understanding of practical work using standard laboratory apparatus and the proper use of scientific units.
  4. Observation, measurement, calculation and interpretation of scientific data.
  5. Communication of scientific information through written presentations.

Learning Outcomes

Learning on this unit directly addresses components of the Bristol Skills Profile, including:

  • How to develop effective learning strategies.
  • How to think critically.
  • How to analyse and present data.
  • Work well as part of a team.
  • Able to identify and work with technological advances.

How you will learn

The teaching in the unit is normally delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities including lectures, workshops and laboratory classes.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):

The unit is normally supported by formative workshops that build ability and confidence in the experimental, numerical and written skills required by scientists. The unit is supported by online resources delivered through Blackboard and eBiolabs that include formative tests and other opportunities to test understanding.

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):

The components that make up the unit assessment are:

  • Coursework: 20%
  • Mid-sessional exam: 20%
  • End of unit exam: 60%

To earn credit for this unit you must normally have made a reasonable attempt at each of the components of the unit assessment. A reasonable attempt requires a student to have undertaken the assessment activity and engaged with its purpose in the academic judgement of the relevant Unit Director, or nominee.

Marks earned for laboratory classes count towards the unit mark for co-requisite unit BIOC10007 – Fundamental Skills for Biochemists.

The coursework component of the assessment is supported by activities that form part of co-requisite unit BIOC10007 – Fundamental Skills for Biochemists.

When assessment does not go to plan

For all components, reassessment normally involves a second attempt at the same form of assessment.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. BIOC10008).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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