module specification

BE5058 - Metabolism (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Metabolism
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Human Sciences
Total study hours 150
 
111 hours Guided independent study
39 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 60%   Practical report (1000 words)
Unseen Examination 40%   Online exam (1 hour)
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Wednesday Morning

Module summary

This module focuses on understanding key principles of metabolism. These principles are illustrated through study of the major metabolic pathways. How metabolism interacts with the nutritional environment is discussed throughout the module.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications This module aims to provide an understanding of the principles of metabolism encourage an appreciation of the diversity and interconnection of metabolic pathways, and to stimulate an understanding of the applicability of metabolism in a broad range of biological context. This module will also provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility and decision making

Prior learning requirements

BE4052 or BC4052 or CY4061

Syllabus

The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
Carbohydrate metabolism: glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, their metabolic roles and importance in energy supply and provision of precursors. The role of allosteric enzymes in the control of metabolism: phosphofructokinase and the control of glycolysis. Regulation of glycogen synthesis and breakdown. Carboxylic acid metabolism: Krebs cycle, dehydrogenation reactions, proton and electron acceptors, electron transport. Interconversion of fats and carbohydrates. Lipid metabolism: fatty acids and other esters - functions, transport and storage; biosynthesis, degradation and desaturation. Acetyl CoA carboxylase and fatty acid biosynthesis. Purines and pyrimidines: biosynthesis, degradation and metabolic significance. The control of pyrimidine biosynthesis by aspartate transcarbamoylase. Amino acid metabolism: nitrogen sources, nitrogen pool, amination, deamination and transamination. Biosynthesis and catabolism of amino acids and the regulation of pathways. Cellular integrations: signal transduction, membrane proteins; role of cyclic nucleotides; transcriptional control of metabolism. Report writing and analysis of lab safety skills.
(LO1-3)
Development of Careers Management Skills: development of self-awareness in the context of career decision making, knowledge of overall career opportunities; skills to make effective applications (LO4)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the subject matter through a variety of teacher led activities and self-directed study. Teacher-led activities will include traditional and interactive lectures, problem solving and revision tutorials, and practicals. Theoretical and practical problems will be employed to assist students in the development of their analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Students will be given access to formative on-line quizzes.
Students' ability to handle and interpret information will be encouraged through laboratory based investigations taken over several weeks and the guided use of expected directed reading of additional literature on the subject, video material and other learning resources.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Describe the main features, regulation and interconnection of key metabolic pathways and explain how energy is conserved and utilized in metabolic pathways and relate this to nutritional status
2. Explain and evaluate the range and diversity of metabolic processes and critically assess and interpret information from a variety of sources, including primary sources such as laboratory data and published research papers.
3.Understand how experimental evidence has been used to support theories of metabolism
4. Develop transferable skills through accurate writing and science communication and use the portfolio preparation as a vehicle to reflect on their employability and personal development.

Bibliography