01. Explain concepts in biochemistry and molecular biology using appropriate vocabulary , related to organelle biosynthesis, gene expression and RNA biology, cancer, immunology and neurobiochemistry.

Activities:

Students attend lectures outlining facts and key concepts related to the subject. Students are then able to further complement the lectures by reading additional material either suggested or provided by the lecturers including original research articles, reviews and text book summaries. At the end of each block of lectures, students attend a lectorial (large group tutorial) where they are able to test their knowledge of the lectures by answering typical exam style questions in small groups under the guidance of the lecturer. Where applicable, practical classes are used to reinforce lecture content. Assessed in theory exams.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

Teamwork(Teamwork)

Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

02. Apply advanced techniques in molecular biology, protein purification and cell biology to generate and analyse data and evaluate the experimental protocols used.

Activities:

Students complete tasks in the practical class indiviually, as a pair or as part of a larger coordinated group, dependent on the task. Students will design their own experimental protocol for the final quantitative experiment of the intergrated practical, incorporating their knowledge of experimental design introduced in BCH3BMA Quantitative literacy is also assessed in the practical exam.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Teamwork(Teamwork)

Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)

Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)

Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)

Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

03. Evaluate and justify the design approach of a biochemistry/molecular biology experiment.

Activities:

As part of the capstone experience students will work in groups to research (with a "mentor" from the research staff) an active area of research within the department. As part of the assessment, students will individually write a brief literature review on ths topic

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Writing(Writing)

Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

04. Explain current techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Activities:

During practical classes students are given detailed instruction in current techniques in biochemistry and molecular cell biology. Much of the lecture content focuses on the theory behind current experimental approaches used in biochemistry and molecular cell biology. Students are expected to demonstrate this knowledge by being able to suggest feasible strategies to presented problems. Assessed in theory exams.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

05. Collaborate effectively with team members when working on a Biochemistry research project.

Activities:

Students will be assigned into groups of four to complete a literature survey on an active area of research within the department. They will need to formally meet regularly and provide the minutes of their meetings. They will peer-review other draft essays and work together on their final seminar. A component of the marks will be provided by peer-assessment from goup members

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Teamwork(Teamwork)

06. Collect, analyse and evaluate information from literature to prepare a thorough scientific report.

Activities:

Students complete a series of "modular" scientific writing exercises which are quick to complete assess and to provide indiviual feedback. These exercises span both BCH3BMA and BCH3BMB and taken together address all aspects of writing a full scientific report. In BC3BMB these include exercises in; maintaining an accurate lab book, presenting qualitative data, writing a short literature review and writing a methods section. Each exercise is preceded by a specific tutorial given in the practical class and individual feedback is provided allowing the students to incorporate the feedback into their final report.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)

Writing(Writing)

Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

07. Interpret and critically evaluate experimental protocols.

Activities:

During the practical course the students critically evaluate the experimental approaches used and recognise where optimum design is limited by logistics. This is encouraged during the pre-practical lectures and discussed during student-led tutorials. Assessed in the discussion section of the final laboratory report.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

08. Discuss and present information in the field of Biochemistry orally to peers.

Activities:

At the start of each practical session a student or pair of students present a short tutorial to a small group of classmates. The tutorial is based on a series of assigned questions which provide relevant background theory to the practical class. Each student presents to his/her group once during the semester. The tutorial is assessed for both clarity of presentation and accuracy of content. Participation by students in the audience is recorded and provides bonus marks for laboratory performance. Students will formally present their group work as a seminar to the entire class.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

Speaking(Speaking)