Introduction to Biochemistry

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Describe the structure of nucleic acids and explain how DNA is replicated, transcribed and translated into proteins.
• Describe the secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures of proteins including explanation of the forces involved in forming and maintaining such structures.
• Describe the structures and properties of the amino acids found in proteins including examples of post-translational modifications to their structure.
• Describe the structure of membranes and the structures/functions of proteins found in membranes.
• Explain the Michaelis-Menten model of enzyme kinetics, including the effects of inhibitors, substrate concentration, temperature, pH and allosteric regulators on enzyme activity.
• Define a plasmid and explain the use of restriction enzymes in creating recombinant DNA for use in molecular biology/biotechnology.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Know how to perform fundamental molecular laboratory techniques such as running gels, column chromatography and measuring absorbances.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.