| Unit name | Molecules of Life |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BIOC10006 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Littlejohn |
| 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 |
Deputy Unit Director: Dr Emily Baker
Why is this unit important?
The key aim of this unit is to familiarise students with fundamental molecular concepts that underpin the study of life and the biomedical sciences. Key areas covered include the atoms found in organisms and their chemical and physical properties, and how these atoms form bonds to build up biomolecules and macromolecules. The unit looks at the chemical reactivity of biomolecules, including mechanisms, and techniques for analysing the molecular and atomic properties of biomolecules. There is a particular emphasis on understanding the basic chemistry of the amino acids that comprise the building blocks of proteins and how this is exploited to perform biochemical transformations.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit provides a basic grounding in the key chemical concepts that underpin an understanding of the structures of biological molecules and macromolecules, and the chemical reactivity that underpins molecular transformation in living systems. Unit content complements material covered in BIOC10008 Biochemistry: Cellular Composition (Honours), deepening understanding of the chemistry of biomolecules and their reactivities to a level commensurate with a degree in Biochemistry.
An overview of content
Topics covered in this unit include:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
At the end of the unit a successful student will have the chemical intuition
that enables them to demonstrate:
Learning Outcomes
Learning on this unit directly addresses components of the Bristol Skills Profile, including:
The teaching in the unit is normally delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities including lectures, workshops and laboratory classes.
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 analytical and numerical 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
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. BIOC10006).
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.
