LF219-15 Tools for Biochemical Discovery
Introductory description
This module is a core requirement for the Biochemistry degree stream and it is also a natural, though not obligatory, foundation for a more advanced module in Year 3, ‘Structural Molecular Biology’ which takes the subject further, particularly in terms of biophysical techniques and computer-based methods for studying protein structure and function. It will provide an appreciation of the principles upon which key techniques in the field of biochemical discovery provide biochemical information.
Module aims
Students will gain from this module the ability to discuss with confidence the theoretical and practical basis of key techniques in the field of biochemical discovery. They will understand the principles which underlie interpretation of data sets obtained with these techniques and be able to make informed decisions as to which technique is appropriate to use for a particular type of biochemical sample. They will gain an appreciation of how different techniques can collectively contribute to the understanding of a biological problem and will be aware of what is the current state-of-the-art for key techniques in biochemical discovery.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Introduction to Spectroscopic techniques
Lecture 1 Introduction to mass spectrometry
Lecture 2 Proteomics
Lecture 3- Solution spectroscopies - Circular dichroism
Lecture 4 - Solution spectroscopies - Fluorescence
Biophysical techniques to identify and measure biological interactions
Lecture 5 Introducing affinity, measuring affinity and examples of biological interactions where affinity matters
Lecture 6 Measuring affinity, kinetics and surface plasmon resonance
Lecture 7 Thermodynamic measurements and affinity, drug designs and molecular docking
Lecture 8
Lecture 9 Protein-protein interactions; the interactome
Introduction to structural biology techniques
Lectures 10 - 13 Crystallography
Lectures 14-15 NMR
Lectures 16 and 17 - Principles of structure determination by cryo-electron microscopy
Workshops
Crystallography
Ewald Sphere
Fourier Transforms
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Level 5 understanding of the theoretical and practical basis of key techniques in the field of biochemical discovery
- Level 5 understanding of the principles which underlie interpretation of data sets obtained with these techniques
- Level 5 understanding of research techniques and their applications
- Level 5 understanding of how different techniques can collectively contribute to the understanding of a biological problem
- Level 5 understanding and awareness of what is the current state-of-the-art for key techniques in biochemical discovery
Subject specific skills
Understand the theoretical and practical basis of key techniques in the field of biochemical discovery
Understand the principles which underlie interpretation of data sets obtained with these techniques
Make decisions as to which technique is appropriate to use for a particular type of biochemical sample
Appreciate how different techniques can collectively contribute to the understanding of a biological problem
Show awareness of what is the current state-of-the-art for key techniques in biochemical discovery
Transferable skills
Quantitative analysis, self directed learning, adult learning, appraisal of source material
Study time
Type | Required |
---|---|
Lectures | 20 sessions of 1 hour (13%) |
Practical classes | 3 sessions of 6 hours (12%) |
Private study | 112 hours (75%) |
Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
self directed learning and revision
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group D
Weighting | Study time | |
---|---|---|
Tools for Biochemistry Laboratory | 30% | 30 hours |
3x6 hr laboratory class- students submit a written report |
||
Online Examination | 70% | 45 hours |
45 min short answer paper and 45 min essay paper
|
Assessment group R
Weighting | Study time | |
---|---|---|
In-person Examination - Resit | 100% | |
45 min SAQ paper / 45 min essay paper
|
Feedback on assessment
Informally via lecture workshops.
Courses
This module is Core for:
-
UBSA-C700 Undergraduate Biochemistry
- Year 2 of C700 Biochemistry
- Year 2 of C700 Biochemistry
-
ULFA-C1A2 Undergraduate Biochemistry (MBio)
- Year 2 of C1A2 Biochemistry
- Year 2 of C700 Biochemistry
- Year 2 of ULFA-C702 Undergraduate Biochemistry (with Placement Year)
- Year 2 of ULFA-C1A6 Undergraduate Biochemistry with Industrial Placement (MBio)
- Year 2 of UMDA-CF10 Undergraduate Integrated Natural Sciences (MSci)