MChem Chemistry

This course unit provides a grounding in the basic principles of Biological Chemistry, building on the previously introduced fundamental principles underlying all chemical phenomena, and in turn establish a sound basis for further units of study in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry.

The aim of this course is to provide an appreciation of the underlying chemistry and processes involved in Biological Chemistry.

General

The course is delivered in a way which allows students to regularly receive feedback on their work through a variety of teaching activities. This is achieved through i) a significant amount of content being delivered as worked problems in lecture, and ii) through provision of workshops. These sessions allow for provision of formative feedback through material which is designed to help guide students in their own conceptualization and approach to solving problems.

Workshops

Workshops offer opportunities for both facilitator and peer feedback by:

Providing opportunities for students to work with and master concepts introduced in lectures, and apply these concepts to unseen material.

Encouraging development of thinking skills (with a focus on critical thinking, analysis, evaluation and application, rather than simple reproduction of knowledge/process)

Providing opportunities for teamwork and collaboration (and the development of skills associated with this) and including time for students to reflect upon their own learning.

E-learning

This unit is supported by a set of formative assessment materials which provide an opportunity for students to evaluate their own progress during the module.

Exam technique and revision sessions

These provide an opportunity to deliver assessment-specific feedback relating to assessment criteria and understanding of question demand, as well as concerning problem solving in examinations.

On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

ILO 1 Describe the general properties of the major classes of biomolecules with reference to their molecular structure and fundamental principles of chemical reactivity.

ILO 2 Relate the properties of biomolecules to their observed functions in the context of Biological and Medicinal Chemistry.

Biochemistry, 4th Edition. Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet. ISBN: 978-0-470-57095-1