Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module BIOL50415: Modelling in Molecular Biology

Department: Biosciences

BIOL50415: Modelling in Molecular Biology

Type Tied Level 5 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2021/22
Tied to G5P223

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide students with a broad understanding of modelling in molecular biology.
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills of kinetic modelling.
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills of COPASI modelling environment.
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyse metabolic and signalling networks.
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills to use kinetic modelling to develop a research project.

Content

  • Introduction to modelling in molecular biology.
  • COPASI modelling environment.
  • Modelling analysis of enzymatic kinetics.
  • Modelling analysis of regulation in biological systems.
  • Modelling analysis of metabolic and signalling networks.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Essential knowledge of enzymatic kinetics.
  • Essential knowledge of kinetic modelling.
  • Essential knowledge of COPASI modelling environment.
  • Essential knowledge of biological regulation.
  • Essential knowledge of metabolic and signalling networks.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to derive enzymatic kinetics.
  • Ability to formulate equations for kinetic modelling.
  • Ability to use COPASI environment to do modelling analysis.
  • Ability to analyse biological regulation using modelling analysis.
  • Ability to model metabolic and signalling networks.
  • Ability to develop research project using modelling analysis.
Key Skills:
  • Modelling analysis, visualization and interpretation
  • COPASI modelling environment
  • Hypothesis building
  • Problem solving

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module will be delivered via lectures and workshops
  • Summative assessment will be via coursework.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 8 Twice per week 2 hours 16 ■
Workshops 8 Twice per week 2 hours 16 ■
Preparation and reading 118
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Modelling Task Report 40%
Mini Project Report 60%

Formative Assessment:

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University