NSCI6122 – Molecular components of living organisms

Module code

NSCI6122

Module title

Molecular components of living organisms

Prescription

The aim of this course is to teach knowledge of the structure, properties and metabolism of biomolecules that may underpin further studies and for practical workplace application.

NZQA Level

Level 6

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Web-Enhanced

Learning hours

Total learning hours: 150

Resources required

Content: LO1:
- Isomers of carbohydrates
- Factors that determine the physical and chemical properties of carbohydrates and carbohydrate derivatives
- Physical and chemical properties of carbohydrates and carbohydrate derivatives
- Factors that determine the physical and chemical properties of fats, oils and waxes
- Chemical reactions of triacylglycerols
- Complex lipid structure and function
- Chemistry of amino acids
- Protein structure
LO2:
- Protein structure and stabilisation
- Protein denaturation
- Protein purification
- Protein determination
- Protein electrophoresis
LO3:
- Structure, function and metabolism of starch, glycogen and cellulose
- Metabolic pathways of carbohydrates (glycolysis, citric acid cycle, electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation)
- Complex lipid structure and function
- Role of cholesterol
- Metabolic pathways of lipids (E-oxidation, ketone bodies, fatty acid synthesis, triacylglycerol synthesis)
- Protein metabolism (urea synthesis, fates of carbon skeletons)
- Amino acids as biosynthetic precursors
LO4: Significance of gluconeogenesis and the pentose phosphate pathway
- E-oxidation
- Ketone bodies
- Fatty acid synthesis
- Triacylglycerol synthesis
- Roles in nature and amino acids as biosynthetic precursors
LO5:
- Enzyme action
- Explanation of the reason certain factors affect enzyme activity
- Enzyme assays
- Enzyme kinetics
- Enzyme inhibitors
- Allosteric enzymes
- Isoenzymes
- Multienzyme complexes
LO6:
- Commercial uses of amino acids, peptides and proteins
- Clinical and commercial uses of enzymes
Learning Outcomes: LO1: Relate the structure of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins to their chemical and physical properties.
LO2: Analyse the physical and chemical properties of proteins.
LO3: Discuss the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
LO4: Evaluate the interrelationships between metabolism of food components and nutritional effects.
LO5: Describe the nature properties, and applications of enzymes.
LO6: Illustrate the technical application of biomolecule principles in an industrial context.
Assessment Criteria: Assessment portfolio 100%

Assessment activity will employ a range of elements drawn from approved methods to align with the context of the learning (delivery mode, regional specific requirement, etc.) and any particular needs of the group of aakonga.
Teaching and Learning Strategy: Learning and teaching activities will employ a range of elements drawn from approved methods to align with the context of the learning (delivery mode, regional specific requirement, etc.) and any particular needs of the group of aakonga.
Learning and Teaching Resource: All required and recommended resources are advised to aakonga via course outlines.