Module: Biochemistry & Health

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Biochemistry & Health
Module Code	BCH1002 (ITS: NS231)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will present chemical processes within and related to living organisms particularly with regards to human health and disease. Details of the course outline for the current year can be found on the modules loop site

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise the chemical elements for life and the basic processes of the cell.
2. Learn the four basic biomolecules and how they are essential to the human body. (lipids, carbs, proteins, nucleic acids)
3. Understand how these biomolecules are metabolised and processed in the body for normal functioning. (Enzymes)
4. Relate biochemistry to the normal functioning of the human body including nutrition and exercise and understand how disturbed biochemical processes contribute to disease.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	30	Lectures with class discussion and Q&A buzz groups
Tutorial	5	Tutorials on alternate weeks starting in week 3
Independent Study	45	Library work, reading
Directed learning	45	Examination preparation/revision and self assessment
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10134	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Buchanan	Module Teacher	Patricia Johnson

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	MCQ's on the course	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	Two hour formal examination with a mixture of MCQs and short descriptor type questions	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Structure and Function of Biomolecules
Learn about the basic chemical elements and how they influence the structure and function of lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. Understand that proteins can function as enzymes which catalyse metabolic reactions within the body. (Also vitamins and minerals)

Metaboliam
Understand the metabolism of the biomolecules outlined above. Study the generation of energy through metabolic processes such as Glycolysis (anaerobic), aerobic respiration and the TCA cycle. Learn about the conversion of energy from one form to another through processes such as Gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis.

Health and Disease
Apply biochemical knowledge to understanding how it can promote health, prevent disease and contribute to the management of disease.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Scott Freeman (Author), Kim Quillin (Author), Lizabeth Allison (Author), Michael Black (Author), Greg Podgorski (Author), Emily Taylor (Author), Jeff Carmichael (Author): 0, Biological Science, 978-013424306
Lubert Stryer (Author), Jeremy M. Berg (Author), John L. Tymoczko (Author): 0, Biochemistry, 978-071674684

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None

Dear Anne, Paul and I prepared this module but I can't seem to give him equal status. Best, Patricia