Module Descriptors
FUNDAMENTAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND THE MOLECULES OF LIFE
BIOL40698
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Adeola Atobatele
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 64
Independent Study Hours: 236
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- CONCEPT VISUALISATION - 800 WORDS/ A1 POSTER EQUIVALENT weighted at 50% - Learning outcome(s) assessed: 2
- EXAM - 60 MINUTES weighted at 50% - Learning outcome(s) assessed: 1
Module Details
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Describe and explain the chemical principles, biological molecules and metabolic pathways that underpin life processes.
Knowledge & Understanding
2. Communicate biochemical concepts and experimental findings effectively to academic and non-specialist audiences, reflecting on your developing scientific practice.
Communication
Reflection
Knowledge & Understanding
2. Communicate biochemical concepts and experimental findings effectively to academic and non-specialist audiences, reflecting on your developing scientific practice.
Communication
Reflection
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
1) Concept Visualisation - Develop and produce a short visual representation (for example – animation, video, infographic) of a key biological concept covered within the module. Students will be supported to develop their visualisation through iterative idea development, supported by peer discussion and review of exemplars. Opportunities for self-reflection on audience, clarity and scientific accuracy will help students refine both conceptual understanding and visual communication skills. The assessment includes a reflective element, prompting students to assess the clarity and accuracy of their visualisation and to reflect on how their decision-making during the design process has shaped both their understanding and their communication practice.
2) Examination will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Students will be supported through structured opportunities to practise applying core concepts using self-assessment activities, periodic knowledge-check questions, and peer discussion of sample questions.
2) Examination will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Students will be supported through structured opportunities to practise applying core concepts using self-assessment activities, periodic knowledge-check questions, and peer discussion of sample questions.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
In this module, you will explore the chemical principles and molecular structures that underpin all living systems. Including:
Fundamental chemical concepts underpinning biological systems, including atomic and molecular interactions, thermodynamics, and acid–base balance.
Structure, properties and roles of water and biological macromolecules within cells.
Enzyme structure, function and regulation, with an introduction to bioenergetics and metabolic organisation.
Cellular architecture and function, including membranes, compartmentalisation and mechanisms of transport.
Development of core laboratory and data-handling skills relevant to molecular and biochemical investigation.
Fundamental chemical concepts underpinning biological systems, including atomic and molecular interactions, thermodynamics, and acid–base balance.
Structure, properties and roles of water and biological macromolecules within cells.
Enzyme structure, function and regulation, with an introduction to bioenergetics and metabolic organisation.
Cellular architecture and function, including membranes, compartmentalisation and mechanisms of transport.
Development of core laboratory and data-handling skills relevant to molecular and biochemical investigation.
WEB DESCRIPTOR
What makes life work at the molecular level?
In this module, you will explore the chemical principles and molecular structures that underpin all living systems. You will investigate how cells generate energy, build essential molecules and regulate complex metabolic processes. As you uncover how biochemical pathways integrate to maintain life, you will begin to understand the foundations that support all areas of biomedical science and see how this knowledge will later help you explain mechanisms of health, disease and therapeutic intervention.
In this module, you will explore the chemical principles and molecular structures that underpin all living systems. You will investigate how cells generate energy, build essential molecules and regulate complex metabolic processes. As you uncover how biochemical pathways integrate to maintain life, you will begin to understand the foundations that support all areas of biomedical science and see how this knowledge will later help you explain mechanisms of health, disease and therapeutic intervention.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
Sessions will include lectures, workshop activities, discussions, groupwork, drop-in support sessions. There will also be laboratory practical sessions.
TEXTS
Scott, J. (2022) Biological science: exploring the science of life. Biomedical edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/borrow/2114845.
Ahmed, N. (2025) Clinical biochemistry. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Ahmed, N. (2025) Clinical biochemistry. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
RESOURCES
Suitable rooming for group work and discussion
Scientific laboratory for practical block
IT suite space with access to PCs
Scientific laboratory for practical block
IT suite space with access to PCs