Module Details

Module Code: BICH N8004
Full Title: Biochemistry 1
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner::
  • Enda Clinton
  • Enda Clinton
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: Nutritional Biochemistry will provide students with the fundamental concepts of atomic chemical structure and molecules interactions that are essential for understanding how nutritional biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates and lipids / fats are formed and where they are located in a cell. It will provide the required basis for understanding the types of chemical reactions that allow these biomolecules to be formed and how they are ultimately metabolized during digestion.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Explain basic chemical terms related to structure and function of atoms, ions, molecules, and compounds.
MLO2 Recognize and draw the chemical formula and structure of biomolecules relevant to nutrition (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids / fats, nucleotides).
MLO3 Outline the location and function of cellular structures and components (organelles, cytoskeletons, nucleic acids) composed of different biomolecules.
MLO4 Describe the chemical structures and interactions that impact the complexity and quality of biomolecules taken in through the diet (complex vs simple carbohydrates, essential vs non-essential amino acids, saturated vs unsaturated fats).
MLO5 Summarize & identify cellular location of key metabolic pathways responsible for catabolic & anabolic metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins & lipids.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Introduction to chemistry
The periodic table, elements, atoms, ions, isotopes, molecules, atomic bonds (covalent, hydrogen bonding, polarity), functional groups, and the formation of biomolecules, the pH scale, acids and bases, organic chemistry.
Chemical reactions required for metabolism
Redox reactions, hydrolysis, dehydration, addition of molecules, removal of functional groups, molecular transport mechanisms.
Biomolecules
Protein, carbohydrates and lipids, dietary sources, chemical structure/ function in body, essential amino acids, complex vs simple carbohydrates, effects of dietary intake of biomolecules, anabolic and catabolic reactions that lead to biomolecules synthesis / breakdown.
Protein interactions
Ligand protein interactions, effects of pH and temperature, law of mass action and equilibrium constants.
Cellular biomolecule composition
Biomolecule makeup and location of cellular components relative to nutritional cell metabolism, (Mitochondria, cytoskeleton, cytoplasm plasma membrane, nucleus, lysosomes, ER, Golgi apparatus).
Introduction to cellular metabolism
Introduction to cellular metabolism, role of ATP in energy expenditure, location and key pathways of protein breakdown in digestive system (polymer to amino acids), carbohydrate digestion (polysaccharides to monosaccharides, introduction to lipid digestion, lipolysis, lipogenesis.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 4 Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
MCQs to evaluate recall of key terms and concepts of fundamental chemistry and biomolecule structure.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 8 Learning Outcome 3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Short answer questions to help student learn to articulate descriptions of biomolecules.
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
There will be a 60-minute quiz composed of MCQs (revising material from earlier in the semester; 40%) and short answer questions and application exercises that cover the more complex material encountered later in the semester (60%).
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Study Non Contact Students expected to review lecture materials and use lecture provided video and hard copy recommended resources to review materials. Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 6.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
This module does not have any book resources
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources