BI3IB2: Integrated Biochemistry

Module code: BI3IB2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Chris Jones, email: c.i.jones@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Professor Simon Andrews, email: s.c.andrews@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI1FB2 OR TAKE BI1BAB2 OR TAKE BI1MB2 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module focuses on the applications of biochemistry in various fields such as biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. The module builds on the biochemical concepts covered in BI1FB2 and moves on to a more detailed examination of their practical applications. In the context of medicine, the module explores how biochemistry is applied in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. This includes the use of biochemistry in drug discovery and the development of therapeutic agents. The module also covers the application of biochemistry in microbiology, including various microbial processes and pathologies. Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on the practical applications of biochemistry in various fields, and how an understanding of biochemistry can be applied to solve challenges and real-world problems in biotechnology, medicine, and beyond. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Discuss the biochemical processes that underpin key human pathologies 
2. Describe, biochemically, how anti-microbial agents kill pathogens 
3. Give a detailed account of biochemical technologies and how they can be used to examine biological questions. 
4. Discuss the role of cutting-edge analytical techniques in studying biochemistry  

Module content

This module will provide an opportunity to consider the role that biochemistry plays not only in human pathologies but also in microbes, gene sequencing and the generation of new techniques to allow the study of biological questions. 

The following content will be discussed: 

• The role biochemical processes have in selected human pathologies (e.g. cancer and aging) and how current and future treatment target these biochemical pathologies to improve outcomes. 
• The mechanisms by which anti-microbial agents work at the biochemical level 
• How advanced analytical techniques (such as NGS) can be used to study key biological problems 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, seminars, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Students will use the seminar material and discussions to select, present, and critically analyse recent papers in the field of biochemistry in Journal Club presentations.  

Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 30 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs