Module Code - Title:
BC4903
-
BIOMOLECULES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To impart an understanding of the structure, properties and biochemical function of the major groups of biological molecules found in living organisms, along with selected biotechnological applications of such biological molecules.
To impart some basic biochemical laboratory skills, principally how to detect & quantify selected biomolecule types.
Syllabus:
The range of biomolecules. Evolution of biomolecules. Structure, properties & functions of: amino acids, peptides & proteins; carbohydrates including monosaccharides, diasaccharides and polysaccharides; fatty acids, energy storage lipids, structural lipids and ecosanoids; nucleic acids including DNA, RNA and their building blocks; vitamins. Selected biotechnological applications; enzymes, antibodies, hormones and gene therapy. The production of high fructose corn syrup. Bioethanol production. The dynamics of life. Overview of metabolism; anabolism and catabolism. Glycolysis.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the structure, properties, and function of the major biomolecule categories, along with selected biotechnological applications of these molecules.
2. Explain how the structure and function of biomolecules are interrelated.
3. Undertake basic biochemical calculations.
4. Interpret analytical results.
5. Write scientific reports.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to safely perform basic analytical techniques for the detection and quantification of selected biomolecules.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Module will be taught primarily through a formal interactive lecturing mode (2 lectures and 1 tutorial per week). The students will also undertake a series of laboratory practicals.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Nelson, D. and Cox, M. (2017)
Principles of biochemistry, 7th Edition
, W. H. Freeman, New York.
Voet, D. et al. (2012)
Principles of biochemistry, 4th Edition
, John Wiley and sons, Chichester, UK
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSINBIUFA - INDUSTRIAL BIOCHEMISTRY
BSFSHEUFA - FOOD SCIENCE AND HEALTH
BSBIOSUFA - BIOSCIENCE
BSBICHUFA - BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES
BSPICHUFA - PHARMACEUTICAL AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
BECBENUFA - CHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
michael.p.ryan@ul.ie