Biomolecular Mechanisms module (BS22002)

Explore the biomolecular processes that regulate metabolism, immunology, microbiology & genomics. Discover how these topics connect and influence one another.

Credits

Module code

BS22002

Level

Semester

Semester 2

School

School of Life Sciences

Discipline

DArcy Thompson Unit

This module gives you a thorough grounding in some of the fundamental biochemical and biological processes that regulate life.

You will explore the fundamental biochemical and biological processes that regulate life.

The module covers key metabolic pathways and the workings of the innate and adaptive immune systems.

You will also be introduced to specialist topics, such as the microbial world and microbiomes, virology, plant development and health, and genomics.

By exploring how these topics interlink, you will build the integrative scientific understanding needed for more advanced study in later years.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

investigate major metabolic pathways involved in carbohydrate, lipid and amino-acid metabolism
explore how the immune system provides defence against pathogens in different species
study the infectious cycle of viruses and the role of microbial communities in health and disease
understand how crop domestication provides a route to global food security
compare different DNA sequencing technologies and how these can help us understand genetic variation in different species
develop skills in researching, critically appraising and citing the scientific literature

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

describe and explain key biomolecular mechanisms across multiple biological disciplines
integrate learning from different topics to explain how biological systems interact and adapt to environmental changes
critically evaluate and reference complex biological and biochemical mechanisms in written scientific publications

Assignments / assessment

Coursework assessment - Written Report (40%)
- You will undertake a critical analysis of a recent scientific publication within a selected area of the Biosciences
- You will choose a topic from a predefined list provided at the start of the module. You will then submit your completed assignment at the module’s midpoint.
- You will attend a series of formative workshops and tutorials. These will serve to guide and support you in preparing this assignment.
End of module assessment – Exam (60%)
- This will take place during the main University exam diet at the end of the academic year. You will complete a combination of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. These will assess your understanding and application of knowledge across the full module content.