| Unit name | Macromolecular Structure, Dynamics and Function |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BIOC20002 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Burston |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
BIOC10002 – Biological Chemistry 1B |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
BIOC20003 – Research Skills for Biochemists |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Biochemistry |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
This unit examines the structures of soluble and integral membrane proteins, how this determines their function, their dynamics and how these are studied experimentally. This leads to understanding how cells extract energy from their surroundings, how energy is utilised to power molecular motors and how these are used to power dynamic cellular processes. The role of metalloenzymes in redox processes is also covered.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The unit develops material introduced in Year 1 Biochemistry units. Study of the unit deepens understanding of physical biochemistry, structural biology and bioenergetics.
An overview of content
Topics covered in this unit include:
Element 1: Protein Structure and Dynamics
Element 2: Molecular Motors
Element 3: Powering Biological Systems
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
After engaging with the unit, students should be able to:
Learning Outcomes
Learning on this unit directly addresses components of the Bristol Skills Profile, including:
Teaching in the unit is normally delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, data handling workshops and laboratory classes.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Calculations workshops and practical reports provide practice and both individual and cohort feedback in preparation for the data handling and exam assessments. Workshops and worked examples of summative exam questions are also provided.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
The components that make up the unit assessment are:
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.
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. BIOC20002).
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.
