Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Biomolecules and Metabolism
Module Code	BE201
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Phil Cummins Semester 2: Phil Cummins Autumn: Phil Cummins
Module Teacher	Phil Cummins
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To give a basic understanding of the structures, properties and functions of the main types of biological macromolecules: proteins (including enzymes), carbohydrates and lipids.To outline the main pathways of metabolism in the cell: catabolic (breakdown) reactions yielding energy and anabolic (biosynthetic) reactions leading to new structures within the cell.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recall the basic structures and functions of the main macromolecule classes (carbohydrates, proteins & lipids)
2. Recall the basic principles of cellular energy (i.e. ATP, NAD+) and metabolic pathways
3. Discuss lucidly the structural properties of macromolecules, including the four (4) levels of protein structural organization
4. Discuss macromolecule function and regulation within the context of human health and disease (e.g. hemoglobin versus myoglobin)
5. Outline the basic principles of enzyme catalysis and reaction kinetics
6. Describe in detail a number of pivotal catabolic and anabolic pathways (e.g. glycolysis, TCA cycle, fatty acid metabolism etc.)

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	12	Biological macromolecules (structure, function, properties)
Lecture	12	Cellular metabolism (catabolic and anabolic pathways)
Tutorial	12	Lecture revision exercises
Independent learning time	89	Personal study and course revision
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Proteins.
Introduction, amino acid structures and properties, R-groups, ionizations.Protein structural heirarchy, importance of tertiary/ quaternary structures.Introduction to protein sequencing, sequence similarities and phylogenetic relationships.Properties of fibrous proteins, keratins, collagen and elastin.Properties of globular proteins, myoglobin and haemoglobin.Molecular basis of sickle cell anaemia..

Carbohydrates.
Monosaccharides, disaccharides, homo- and hetero-polymers.Oligosaccharides as cellular markers, antigens, lectins.Glycoproteins..

Lipids.
Fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, sphingolipids, steroids, cholesterol.Plasma lipoproteins, role in disease..

Enzymes.
Function and measurement of activity, kinetics and plots, multi-substrate reactions.Serine and metallo proteases, active sites and reaction mechanisms.Enzyme inhibition in vitro, regulation of enzyme activity in vivo.Enzymes as analytical tools..

Metabolism.
Introduction, bioenergetics, structure and function of ATP and NADPH/ NADH.Glycolysis: preparatory, energy-yielding and regulatory reactions and enzymes.Citric acid (TCA) cycle: overview, complete reactions and regulation; pentose phosphate pathway.Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation.Fatty acid catabolism, transport, oxidation reactions and regulation.Oxidation, fates and biosynthesis of fatty acids.Amino acid metabolism, fates of R- and amino groups; the urea cycle.Reactions and regulation of gluconeogenesis, glycogen synthesis.Lipid biosynthesis, fatty acid synthase complex, regulation.Amino acid biosynthesis and regulation, nitrogen balance and protein turnover..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Multiple choice questions	Students will be asked to demonstrate recall of basic factual information on biological macromolecules (i.e. classes, structures, functions, properties).	10%	Week 6
Multiple choice questions	Students will be asked to demonstrate recall of basic factual information on principles of cellular energy and metabolic pathway organization.	10%	Week 11

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List