BI2AB1: Applied Biochemistry: from Disease to Diagnostics

Module code: BI2AB1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Francoise Mazet , email: f.m.mazet@reading.ac.uk

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

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

Co-requisite module(s):

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

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will build on the biochemical concepts covered in BI1FB2 Fundamentals of Biochemistry and provide you with an in-depth exploration of the biochemistry of cellular pathways in both healthy and disease states. You will the explore how changes in these pathways can dictate physiological outcomes and contribute to disease development and progression. The practicals will focus on the technical application of biochemistry whereby you will study the enzymes of the liver and determine how this can be used to diagnose disease. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Examine the roles biochemical processes play in the regulation of human physiology and explain how these adapt to changes in homeostasis. 
2. Discuss the key biochemical concepts of how cells communicate and describe how ligand/receptor systems regulate whole body metabolism. 
3. Develop and test scientific methodologies of own design and evaluate the adjustments needed to obtain a suitable experimental protocol. 
4. Discuss how practical biochemistry can be used to study enzymatic processes and its use in diagnosing disease. 

Module content

Through a series of lecture and discussion tutorials students will acquire an appreciation of the integrated nature of biochemistry across organ systems and the body, and how they affect health with topics such as the gut brain axis and body homeostasis, disruption of endocrine signalling, biochemistry of embryonic development and aging. This module explores the essential principles and techniques for calibration and quality control, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and compliance in measurement and testing processes. Several practicals will focus on the technical application of biochemistry to study a set of enzymes, and how the results can be used to diagnose disease.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratory-based practical classes, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 40 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.