Study-Unit Description

CODE

IFS0001

TITLE

Biochemistry

UM LEVEL

00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus

MQF LEVEL

ECTS CREDITS

DEPARTMENT

International School for Foundation Studies

DESCRIPTION

In this study-unit, students will be introduced to the key concepts in Biochemistry. These include: Homeostasis, Acids and Bases, Buffers, Enzymes, Biomolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) and the Nucleic acids. This study-unit will lay the necessary foundation for students to be able to understand more challenging Biochemistry topics which are part of the curriculum of the Medical Foundation Programme.

Study-Unit Aims:

1. To introduce key Biochemistry concepts such as homeostasis, acid-base balance and buffering;
2. To introduce important biochemical terms;
3. To introduce the relationship between structure and function using biomolecules as examples.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

1. Describe the importance of acid-base balance and the need for buffering systems;
2. Differentiate between strong and weak acids;
3. Characterise different biomolecules;
4. Differentiate between the two nucleic acids with respect to both structure and function;
5. Explain biochemical concepts using correct terminology.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

1. Explain how the body maintains a constant internal environment despite numerous challenges;
2. Explain how the properties of water make it the solvent of life;
3. Explain how the structure of different types of proteins in the body is related to their function.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- Voet, D. and Voet, J.G. (2010). Biochemistry 4th Edition. ISBN 978-0-470-57095-1

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Pre-requisite Qualifications: As per Legal Notice 115 of Education Act (2009)

STUDY-UNIT TYPE

Lecture, Independent Study & Tutorial

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

Assessment Component/s	Assessment Due	Sept. Asst Session	Weighting
Oral and Written Exercises	YR	Yes	10%
Progress Test (2 Hours)	SEM1	No	30%
Examination (2 Hours)	SEM2	Yes	60%

LECTURER/S

Lucienne Gatt

The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description

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