UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
1
The title of the module
BI613 Topics in Biochemistry
2
The Department which will be responsible for management of the module
Biosciences
3
The Start Date of the Module
January 2007
4
The number of students expected to take the module
30
5
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
consultation with other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the
withdrawal
None. This is a revision of an existing module BI613 Topics in Biochemistry
6
The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M])
H
7
The number of credits which the module represents
15
8
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Term 2
9
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
BI513 Physiology (pre-requisite module for Intercellular signalling in the Nervous
System)
BI609 Protein Structure and Function (pre-requisite for Molecular Machines in
Biology)
10
The programmes of study to which the module contributes
Biochemistry
Biochemistry with a Sandwich Year
11
The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their
relationship to programme learning outcomes
This module comprises several components covering key areas relevant to
Biochemistry. Topics are delivered by staff working in the chosen areas and reflect
current research and/or applications in Biochemistry.
On successful completion of the module students will have achieved three of the
following:
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
Molecular Machines in Biology
An understanding of how macromolecular structures underlie protein function, an
understanding of how some diseases arise from mutations in proteins and how the
use of mutations allows us to explore function, an appreciation of the molecular
complexity or proteins and how this is built upon simple underlying principles
(Programme outcomes 4,5,10,17)
Bioinformatics for Biologists
An understanding of the concepts of bioinformatics; the uses of genomic information
for addressing questions of the variation between individuals in relation to disease;
an awareness of the diversity of information available and its limitations.
(Programme outcomes 5,15,17,30)
Intercellular Signalling in the Nervous System
An understanding of how molecules and macromolecular structures underlie synaptic
development and function, an understanding of how some neurological diseases
arise from mutations in synapse-specific genes or the breakdown of synapse-
specific proteins, an appreciation of the molecular complexity of the nervous system
and the significant achievements of research in this area.(Programme outcomes
2,5,7)
Molecular Medicine
The ability to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both viral and non-viral
methods for the delivery of nucleic acids for gene therapy; the ability to describe
the role played by inappropriate cell death or survival in selected disease states
and how an understanding of these processes has led to the development of
experimental strategies for the treatment of human disease; the ability to explain
the roles played by proteomics, functional genomics and nucleic acid based
diagnostics in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and agents. (Programme
outcomes 3,19)
Cancer Biology and Treatment
An appreciation that cancer is a collection of diseases with different clinical
manifestations, risks and treatments; an understanding of how molecular changes
are responsible for the development of individual cancers and associated with time
to relapse and death; a knowledge of the ethic issues that arise from out greater
understanding of the molecular biology of the disease. (Programme outcomes
3,8,11,19)
Bioactive Molecules and Biomedicine
An appreciation that a range of molecules produced by microorganisms have
bioactive properties; a knowledge of how selected bioactive molecules exert their
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
effect on metabolic processes; the ability to identify useful synthetic activities
present in microorganisms and to use existing information in design search
strategies to find new bioactive molecules produced by microorganisms (Programme
outcomes 9)
12
The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
the ability to retrieve, analyse and evaluate information from text books, primary
research papers and review articles (Programme outcome 23)
the development of written communication skills (Programme outcomes 25,28)
13
A synopsis of the curriculum
Molecular Machines in Biology
The theme of the course is an analysis of proteins in terms of their function not as
enzymes catalysing biochemical reactions but as molecular machines which interact
with their environment both sensing the environment and altering it, for example in
protein sensors, protein switches, protein motors, protein pumps and channels and
complex proteins machines such as the ribosome, GroEL/ES, ATPase, bacterial
flagella and sensor system.
Intercellular Signalling in the Nervous System
The theme of the course is the synapse – the specialised site of nerve cell
communication. The focus will be on the molecular biology and genetics of synapse
development and function. We will discuss how research in various model
organisms has elucidated the functions of pre- and post-synaptic proteins and
consider how neurological diseases result from the absence or malfunction of some
of these proteins.
Bioinformatics for Biologists
The definition of an organism by integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics
and metabolomics, the use of standard databases, nucleic acid databases, protein
sequence and protein structure databases, case studies
Molecular Medicine
physical methods for gene delivery; viral vectors for gene therapy; antisense
technology and ribozymes; functional genomics and proteomics; apoptosis in
disease; anti-CD33 engineered lymphocytes for the treatment of myeloid leukaemia.
Cancer Biology and Treatment
– incidence, causes and prevention of cancer; the pathology of cancer; growth
regulation and intracellular signalling; oncogenes and mechanisms of cell
transformation; tumour suppressor genes and genetic instability; metastasis; inherited
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
predisposition to cancer; current and new treatments for cancer; ethical issues in
cancer.
Bioactive Molecules and Biomedicine
types of bioactive molecules; secondary metabolites and antibiotics – their synthesis
by microbes; mechanisms of antibiotic action; other pharmacologically active
microbial products; β lactam antibiotics; the use of genetically modified bacteria;
biotransformations and strategies for finding new bioactive agents.
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Indicative Reading List
Molecular Machines in Biology
A short list of reviews and primary research papers will be distributed at the lectures and
copies deposited at Library SLC.
Intercellular Signalling in the Nervous System
Elements of Molecular Neurobiology 2nd edition, CUM Smith
Neurobiology 3rd Edition GM Shepherd
An Introduction to Molecular Neurobiology ZW Hall
From Neuron to Brain 3rd Edition JG Nicholls et al
A short list of reviews and primary research papers will be distributed at lectures
and copies deposited at Library SLC
Bioinformatics for Biologists
Introduction to Bioinformatics (2002) A.M. Lesk, Oxford
Cancer: Biology and Treatment
Cancer Biology (2nd Edition) R.J.B. King
Molecular Medicine
Lecture Notes on Molecular Medicine (2001) J. Bradley et al
Human Molecular Genetics 2 (1999) T. Strachan and A.P. Read
Essentials of Medical Genomics (2003) S.M. Brown
Bioactive Molecules and Biomedicine
Discovery and Isolation of Microbial products (1985) M.S. Verrall
The Biosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites (1989) R.B. Herbert
Biotransformations (2000) K. Faber
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Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours
and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate
to achievement of the intended learning outcomes
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
Contact Hours – 24 hours -
(lectures and workshops for the delivery of the
course content and practice in the use of electronic databases)
Self Study -
126 hours
( recommended reading 30 hours, preparation for
assessment 30 hours and preparation for examination 66 hours)
16
Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the
intended learning outcomes
Coursework 30% - Each of the topics has an assessment to test achievement of
the subject specific
and generic learning outcomes for that option. Students
complete a total of three assessments, each assessment is worth 10% of the
module mark.
Molecular Machines in Biology – Essay (mini literature review)
Intercellular signalling in the Nervous System – Essay (mini-literature review)
Bioinformatics for Biologists –assessment of practical/generic skills in Bioinformatics
gained in computer sessions.
Cancer Biology and Treatment – short essay on a current issue in cancer
Molecular Medicine – Journal Club - preparation of a presentation based on an
allocated research paper
Bioactive Molecules and Biomedicine - Report on a selected class of bioactive
molecules
Examination 70%
17
Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None, this is a modification of an existing module
18
A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the
curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not
present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities
As far as can be reasonable anticipated, the curriculum learning and teaching
methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage
to students with disabilities
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted
on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and
required content of module proposals"
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
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Director of Learning and Teaching
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Date
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the
introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of Department
Revised August 2002; Revision 2 in 2003.
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Date