Self assess your understanding of week 1

This brief self assessment questionnaire will help you identify what areas of week 1 of this course you understood well and whether you may need to take a more active role to improve your knowledge and understanding of biochemistry.

Use the comments to post a summary of your answers together with any views and opinions of the course so far.

A) Reflecting on your understanding about biochemistry before enrolling on this course

1. I had not thought about links between biology and chemistry before.
2. I appreciated that chemistry is important to understand biology, but I didn’t know the reasons behind this.
3. I appreciated that chemistry is important to understand biology, but I was keen to find out more about the reasons behind this.

B) Understanding of the material discussed during week 1 of this course

1. I did not understand the meaning of many of the words or topics and so I was unable to appreciate the significance of what was discussed.
2. I thought I understood most of the biochemistry details that were described, but now realise that I do not appreciate the significance of some of the topics.
3. I understood the meaning of most words and topics and I have a good appreciation of the significance of what was discussed.

C) How well did you understand the terminologies used during week 1 of this course?

1. My lack of knowledge about the scientific terms had a negative impact on my understanding of the material.
2. Although I did not previously know all of the scientific terms, I was still able to understand what was being discussed.
3. I understood all (or most) of the scientific terms that were used.

D) How well did you engage with the majority of topics discussed during week 1 of this course?

1. My lack of understanding of the details of biochemistry meant that I was unable to offer comments or ask questions.
2. I understood most of the biochemistry details that were described, but did not feel the need to offer comments or ask questions.
3. My appreciation of the biochemistry details meant that I was happy to offer comments or ask questions.

E) How might you find out more information about topics discussed during week 1 of this course?

1. My lack of understanding of biology and chemistry means that I don’t know how to find out more information that will improve my understanding.
2. My basic knowledge about biochemistry means that I am aware of some books or internet sites that can increase my understanding.
3. My good appreciation of biochemistry means that I am happy to look up key words in an internet search or go to the library and search through library catalogues under key words.

F) How do you approach asking questions about topics discussed in week 1 of this course?

1. I cannot think of any questions that I would like to ask in relation to the biochemistry details.
2. I have some questions about the biochemistry details, but I did not ask them because I think they may be too obvious and I do not want to waste the time of other people who are engaged in this course.
3. I am keen to ask questions so that I have a deeper understanding of the links between biology and chemistry.

Feedback

If you answered mostly 1s you have got quite a long way to go to achieve a full understanding of topics discussed in this course. This is not necessarily a problem, but if you want to gain the most from this course you would benefit from aiming to link the details discussed in future weeks with other information sources available to you.

If you answered mostly 2s, that is fine at this stage. You will still gain more from this course if you consider asking more questions about the biochemical details of topics that are discussed. Also try to identify relevant links to events that occur in your every day life in television programmes you watch or in news items that you see. And, of course, don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer your opinions in the discussion sections of this course!

If you answered mostly 3s you are coping well with the biochemical information that we are describing within this course. In future weeks continue to try and understand the material at the biochemical level. Please share your thoughts and opinions in the discussion sections of this course and enjoy your path to improving your appreciation of biochemistry!

Now that you have completed the self assessment questionnaire, reflect on your answers and on how well you got on. For topics and points that you did not understand fully consider how would be best for you to develop your knowledge and understanding of biochemistry.