Module overview
This module provides you with an understanding of: (1) the basic metabolic pathways; (2) inborn errors of metabolism and the application of DNA technology to their study; (3) the control and integration of metabolism. This module completes the first year teaching in biochemistry, following on from the first semester module on the Molecular basis of life (BIOL 1007). These modules are prerequisites for most second year biochemistry and molecular biology modules
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: BIOL1007.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- show how the energy released by catabolism is recouped by substrate level and oxidative phosphorylation;
- describe the various types of genetic mutation and inborn errors of metabolism
- describe the regulation of metabolism in physiological and pathological situations (e.g., exercise, starvation and diabetes);
- demonstrate an ability to handle simple mathematical treatments of biological processes.
- show how amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism are inter-linked;
- Having done this course, together with the course on the Molecular basis of life I (BIOL1007), you should be very well-prepared for future work on more complex aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology, and confident and equipped for future work on molecular approaches to physiology, pharmacology, cell biology and biotechnology.
- discuss the role of coenzymes, such as NAD+, FAD and ATP, in metabolism;
- describe the methods for detecting and correcting inborn errors of metabolism
- outline the hormonal regulation of metabolism and discuss the role of protein phosphorylation in this context;
- outline the metabolic pathways involved in the catabolism of glucose and fatty acids;
- describe the principles of metabolism;
- demonstrate that you have acquired skills in basic biochemical laboratory methods, data interpretation and experimental report writing
Syllabus
This module describes the major metabolic pathways that convert macromolecules consumed in the diet into energy, and how these pathways are regulated. The causes and consequences of inborn mutations in key steps in these metabolic pathways are discussed, including options for treatment with DNA technology.
Having covered the core metabolic pathways, the module ends with the mechanisms by which metabolism can be altered by altered physiological and pathological scenarios such as starvation, exercise and diabetes.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, practical classes, online practicals and individual study.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 12 |
| Independent Study | 116 |
| Lecture | 22 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Meisenberg and Simmons. Principles of Medical Biochemistry.
Papachristodoulou, Snape, Elliott & Elliott. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 6th edition.
Mathews, Van Holde, Appling and Anthony-Cahill. Biochemistry.
Berg, Tymocsko and Stryer . Biochemistry.
Voet and Voet. Biochemistry .
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Laboratory practicals | 25% |
| Examination | 75% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 25% |
| Examination | 75% |