BIOCHEMISTRY

BIOCHEMISTRY

For Level 1 and 2 courses, please refer to entries under Biology

Level 3

BC 3503 - THE MOLECULAR CONTROL OF CELL FUNCTION
Credit Points
30
Course Coordinator
Professor K Docherty

Pre-requisites

BI 20M3 and BI 25M6. CM 2008, CM 2512, BI 2002 and CM 2511 strongly recommended.

Overview

This course explores the molecular mechanisms involved in controlling cell function, emphasising the role of protein:protein interactions. A study of the structural proteins required to maintain cell structure and cell division is followed by an in-depth discussion of the enzymes involved in regulating metabolism and maintaining homeostasis within the cell. Ligand-receptor interactions and intracellular signalling pathways illustrate how the cell reacts to external signals, while a review of the extracellular matrix and cell adhesion leads to a discussion of the molecular basis of oncogenesis and cell differentiation.

Structure

3 one-hour lectures per week. 1 two-hour tutorial every 4 weeks and an average of 3 hours practical work per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%) consisting of an essay and practical reports.

Students must pass both the course work and examination parts of the course.

Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%) consisting of an essay and practical reports.

Level 4

BC 4012 - BIOCHEMISTRY A
Credit Points
30
Course Coordinator
Dr B Muller

Pre-requisites

BC 3503, BT 3007, MB 3005 + 30 other credit points at level 3.

Co-requisites

BC 4514, MB 4050.

Overview

The formal teaching comprises two options each 15 hour contact time. Each option will cover separate areas of Biochemistry working from the original literature under the supervision of 1-3 members of staff.

Structure

Two essays will be written and examined. All students are required to prepare for, and to attend, a reading party in the week prior to term. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 elements (33.3%), in-course assessment in the form of two essays, 4 elements (66.6%) in the form of a single three hour exam paper.

BC 4013 - BIOCHEMISTRY IMMUNOLOGY A
Credit Points
30
Course Coordinator
Dr B Muller

Pre-requisites

IM 3501, BT 3007, MB 3005 and GN 3502 OR MC 3504.

Co-requisites

BC 4515, MB 4050.

Overview

The formal teaching comprises two options each 15h contact time. Each option will cover separate areas of Biochemistry working from the original literature under the supervision of 1-3 members of staff.

Structure

Two essays will be written and examined. All students are required to prepare for, and to attend, a reading party in the week prior to term. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 elements (33.3%), in-course assessment in the form of two essays, 4 elements (66.6%)in the form of a single three hour exam paper.

BC 4514 - HONOURS BIOCHEMISTRY B
Credit Points
60
Course Coordinator
Professor K Docherty

Pre-requisites

BC 3503, BT 3007, MB 3005 and 30 other credit points at level 3.

Co-requisites

BC 4012, MB 4050

Overview

The core element of the course is a research project that involves 10 weeks laboratory work and production of a thesis. Assessment is on the basis of the performance in the laboratory, the thesis, and the project seminar. Two research tutorials will be organised by academic staff and will be assessed by examination at the end of the semester. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 two-hour examinations (2 elements each) and 1 four-hour examination (3 elements) (63.6%); in-course assessment (36.4%).

BC 4515 - HONOURS BIOCHEMISTRY (IMMUNOLOGY) B
Credit Points
60
Course Coordinator
Professor K Docherty

Pre-requisites

BT 3007, IM 3501, MB 3005 and GN 3502 or MC 3504.

Co-requisites

BC 4013, MB 4050

Overview

The core element of the course is a research project that involves 10 weeks, laboratory work and production of a thesis. Assessment is on the basis of the performance in the laboratory, the thesis, and the project seminar. Two research tutorials will be organised by academic staff and will be assessed by examination at the end of the Semester. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 two-hour examinations (2 elements each) and 1 four-hour examination (3 elements) (63.6%); in-course assessment (36.4%).