BL4222 Metabolic and Clinical Biochemistry
(BL4222 online module handbook version 64)
This module extends the students' knowledge of human metabolism and applies it to pathologies. The syllabus includes: a study of the integration of whole body metabolic processes, discussion of the role of biochemistry in investigating and monitoring human disease, the methods of diagnosing and treating some common diseases. Topics will cover integration of whole body metabolism, starvation processes, diabetes, metabolic variability, inborn errors of metabolism, endocrinology, homeostasis, plasma protein metabolism, muscle and hepatic metabolism, drug disposition and metabolism, and defects in glucose and lipid metabolism.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Permission of Biology Honours Adviser required*
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
BL4222: Assessment
1.5-hour Written Examination = 30%, Coursework = 70%*
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
BL4222: Contributing Staff †
BL4222: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4222 successfully should be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the biochemical and metabolic basis of disease.
- Evaluate the role clinical biochemistry plays in the investigation and monitoring of disease.
- Critically evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of clinical investigations.
BL4222: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - leading
- Group discussion - participating
- Short individual presentation on given topic (up to 15 min)
- Short informal presentation (using PowerPoint or not)
- Short essay (1000-2000 words)
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Generating questions
- Problem-solving questions
- Calculations/equations
- Data presentation
- 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/
