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BI1MB2-Metabolic Biochemistry
Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: A Level Biology and GCSE Mathematics
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: BI1BAB2 Metabolic and Practical Biochemistry
Current from: 2021/2
Module Convenor: Dr Craig Hughes
Email: c.e.hughes@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
This module is all about energy.Ìý Metabolism is a term encompassing the fundamental processes for life; the extraction of energy from food molecules for use in cellular processes and growth.Ìý When it becomes dysregulated it underlies diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Ìý This is all controlled by enzymes.Ìý This module will cover how enzymes work and how they are fundamental for regulating all steps in metabolic pathways.Ìý You will also gain first-hand experience of studying enzymes in the laboratory.Ìý You will learn about a number of metabolic pathways and about how they interact and cross-over with each other dynamically in response to the energy needs of the cell.
Aims:
This module aims to provide the student with an overview of metabolic pathways and an understanding of the ways in which metabolic processes are regulated. The associated practical work aims to give hands-on experience of enzyme assays at the laboratory bench. Associated data handling aims to provide tuition in handling calculations essential for basic enzyme analysis.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to: • Describe basic metabolic pathways, anabolic and catabolic • Use enzyme kinetics to evaluate enzyme activities and their regulation • Describe the principles of metabolic regulation Ìý• Apply knowledge of enzyme kinetics during practical sessions
Additional outcomes:
Students will gain practical experience of some simple biochemical enzyme assay techniques and develop an ability to work in the laboratory as a member of a small team.
Outline content:
his module will provide a fundamental understanding of metabolic processes in cells. The key pathways will be presented, the function of enzymes will be addressed and the manner in which biochemical processes are controlled will be highlighted. In addition, practical methods for assay of enzymes will be carried out at the laboratory bench, and data handling tuition provided. The module is designed to provide essential background on biochemical metabolic pathways that will enable students to c omprehend biochemistry-related modules encountered later in their course. The Lecture Content covers: • The structure and function of enzymes • Basic enzyme kinetics • Control of enzyme activity and hormonal control of metabolism • Carbohydrate and fatty acidÌýmetabolismÌý• Lipoproteins and cholesterol metabolism • Amino acid metabolism • Integration of metabolism Ìý• Genetically-determined inborn errors of metabolism • Environmental influ ences on metabolism The Practical Content covers: • Determination of Km and Vmax of an enzyme • Tuition/guidance for calculations and writing reports
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be two 50 minute lectures (divided by a short break) each week of the term (20 lectures in total). Students will each attend one 2-hour practical class, and one 2-hour seminar to provide tuition with calculations and report writing.
Students will spend 2 hours performing experiments in the laboratory. They will submit one practical report for assessment and will be expected to use their free time to engage in background reading.
Ìý | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
Lectures | 20 | ||
Seminars |