Unit information: Biochemistry: Cellular Processes in 2024/25

Unit name	Biochemistry: Cellular Processes
Unit code	BIOC10004
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
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)	None
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 Processes gives students on honours programmes other than Biochemistry the skills and knowledge needed to understand major cellular processes and how they are powered and regulated. The unit covers fundamental aspects of cellular biochemistry, including the role of metabolic pathways in the conversion of matter and energy, and cellular structure and dynamics. 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 a variety of cellular processes as viewed from a molecular perspective. Such insights are highly relevant to a variety of the degree programmes offered by the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience.

Your learning on this unit

An overview of content

Topics covered in this unit include:

• Carbohydrate metabolism
• Oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis
• Fat metabolism
• Regulation and integration of metabolism
• Hormones and signal transduction
• The cytoskeleton
• Protein sorting
• The cell cycle and apoptosis
• Cell movement

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. Analyse and interpret metabolic pathways.
2. Describe energy generation within cells.
3. Compare and contrast regulatory strategies.
4. Compare and contrast the breakdown and synthesis of fats and carbohydrates.
5. Predict the outcome of inhibiting or bypassing components of oxidative phosphorylation.
6. Discuss cellular dynamics and division.
7. Identify how cells maintain their structure.
8. Describe how cells are able to move.

The units aims to develop the following skills:

1. Logical deduction, calculation and the application of scientific methods
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.

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:

• Practical Assessments: 20%
• End of unit exam: 80%

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.

When assessment does not go to plan

Reassessment of the “Practical Assessments” component typically involves completion of one or more laboratory class assessments using model data. For all other 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. BIOC10004).

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.