BL2306 Biochemistry
(BL2306 online module handbook version 133)
Due to recent technological developments, metabolism and its regulation has re-emerged as an important area of Biology. This module will examine major biological macromolecules, the common motifs which occur in metabolic reactions, explore the properties of enzymes catalysing these reactions and consider the approaches to characterise the small molecule complement (metabolites) of biological systems. A number of central metabolic pathways and their control will be studied in detail, alongside examples of their importance in disease and recent metabolomic studies.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL1101 and pass BL1102*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL2306: Assessment
2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL2306: Contributing Staff †
BL2306: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL2306 successfully should be able to:
- Explain the chemistry and structure of the major biological macromolecules and how that determines their biological properties
- Mine, manipulate and interpret data from small molecule and macromolecular databases
- Use molecular viewers
- Explain the chemical and thermodynamic principles underlying biological catalysis and the role of enzymes and other proteins in determining the function and fate of cells and organisms
- Conduct experiments to explore enzyme activity
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of essential features of cell metabolism and its control, including topics such as energy and signal transduction, respiration and photosynthesis
- Appreciate the diversity of small molecules within cells, their dynamic concentration range and how to study these, both individually and as part of a metabolome
BL2306: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Biomolecule isolation/characterisation
- Buffers
- Chromatography
- Database interogation
- Enzyme assay
- Kinetic data analysis
- Molecular viewer software
- Pipetting
- Protein characterisation
- Protein purification
- Protein quantitation
Transferable Skills
- Preparing group poster on given topic
- Q+A poster session
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- "Short" practical write-up (e.g. completed worksheet)
- Handout (for presentation or poster)
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Searching databases
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Lab safety awareness
- Problem-solving questions
- Calculations/equations
- Concentrations
- Data analysis
- Data presentation
- Dilutions
- Draw a line of best fit
- Produce graphs/figures
- Produce tables
- SI units
- Use Excel
- Use R or R Studio
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
