| Unit name | Biological Life Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CHEM20011 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Crosby |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
2nd year Core Chemistry |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
n/a |
| School/department | School of Chemistry |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
The unit will provide students with an intermediate level understanding of the basic building blocks of Life Chemistry and build upon knowledge gained at levels 4 and 5, seeking to reinforce how the two chemical worlds (in vivo and in vitro) are connected. Life chemistry 2 will expand the students’ horizons into modern biotechnology as well as the biophysical and analytical techniques commonly employed in research and industry.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit is part of a series of optional units throughout levels 4 – 6 that will equip chemistry students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle major societal challenges in life and environmental sciences, aligning with the ambitions of the Bristol Futures ‘Sustainable Futures’ theme.
An overview of content
A more advanced understanding of the chemistry associated with biological systems will be developed through a continuation of material delivered in earlier optional units (Year 1 – CHEM10012 Life Chemistry: Life Through a Chemical Lens and Year 2 – CHEM20011 Biological Life Chemistry. Specific aims of this course are; to provide a thorough under-pinning knowledge of the structure and function of basic building blocks of life in a broad range of biological systems, to understand the cross-over between laboratory-based chemistry (in vitro) and chemistry in natural systems (in vivo), and to illustrate how chemical and synthetic biology are exploited in biotechnology, industrial processes, and medicinal chemistry. These aims will be addressed over three taught courses:
We aim to use a blended learning approach involving a mixture of asynchronous and synchronous lectures, online resources and individual student led enquiry.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks
All summative tasks will be supported by formative assessment. Learning support will be supported by workshops which will offer small group teaching guided by expert staff. Workshops involve solving problems before and within the sessions to enable real time feedback and discussion with staff. Workshops will follow specific blocks of content delivery.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark
The unit will be assessed by a combination of coursework (35%) and an exam (65%) which will address all ILOs. The coursework comprises one assessment:
A 15-minute presentation around a key reaction or biosynthetic pathway and how this has been integrated into a modern chemical synthesis. Examples can be chosen from the Components of Life or Natural Products and Biosynthesis sections of the course. The aim is to use molecular visualisation software (PyMOL) to figures illustrating a protein active site which can then be related to a mechanism incorporating interactions of the essential biological components. (35%)
When assessment does not go to plan
The re-assessment tasks will directly mirror those in the assessment tasks.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CHEM20011).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
