Module Details

Module Code: ZCHE C2105
Module Title: Biomolecules
Title: Biomolecules
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: Adriana Cunha Neves
Domains:  
Module Description: To give the student a sound background in the structure, functions and metabolism of various biomolecules as well as a basic introduction to the principles of pharmacology and immunology.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the structure, functions and metabolism of various biomolecules.
LO2 Explain basic concepts of immunology.
LO3 Explain basic concepts of pharmacology
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
None
 
Indicative Content
Proteins
Structure of amino acids. Classification and chemical properties. Essential amino acids. Protein structure, properties and function. Enzymes; classification and properties such as heat and pH sensitivity, specificity, rate of reaction.
Lipids
Structure and function of lipids. Glycerides, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, essential fatty acids, phospholipids and cholesterol.
Carbohydrates
Sugars and polysaccharides. Structure and function of the chief monosaccharides and disaccharides. Structural and storage polysaccharides.
Micronutrients
Function of water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins and of minerals.
Metabolism
Catabolic and anabolic metabolism. Metabolic control; location, compartmentation, hormonal control and feedback mechanisms. Glycolysis and tricarboxylic cycle. The electron transport chain, proton pump and ATP generation.
Molecular Biology
Structure of DNA and RNA, DNA replication, transcription and translation.
Transport and Signalling
Cellular transport mechanisms, ligands, cellular receptors and signal transduction, agonists and antagonists.
Immunology
Basic immunology concepts such as cells and mechanisms involved in the immunologic response, innate and adaptive immunity, humoral and cell mediated immunity. Infection and immunologic response, strength of the immune response.
Pharmacology
Introductory pharmacology: Factors involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Drug delivery and novel dosage devices. Dose calculation and clearance rates. Basic Mechanism of Drug Action: The drug-receptor complex. Multipharmacy - antagonism and synergism. Introduction to the properties and use of various classes of drugs.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 30
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
1 hour examinations
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
n/a
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.
Reassessment Description
Re-sit examinations

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Formal one hour lectures 12 Weeks per Stage 5.00 60
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent and guided reading 15 Weeks per Stage 4.33 65
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Campbell, Farrell, Mcdougal. (2018), Biochemistry, 9th. Carngage Learning, [ISBN: 978130596113].
  • Voet and Voet. (2016), Fundementals of Biochemistry, 5th. Wiley, [ISBN: 9781118918401].
  • Keogh, James Edward,. (2010), Pharmacology, McGraw-Hill, New York ; London, [ISBN: 9780071623629].
  • Nelson David L.,Albert L. Lehninger,David L. Nelson,Michael M. Cox,University Michael M Cox. (2005), Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, Macmillan, p.1119, [ISBN: 9780716743392].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: