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 web page

Module aims

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 1-3 Introduction to mass spectrometry and proteomics
Lecture 4- Solution spectroscopies - Circular dichroism
Lecture 5 - Solution spectroscopies - Fluorescence

Biophysical techniques to identify and measure biological interactions

Lecture 6-7 Introducing affinity and thermodynamics, examples of biological interactions where thismatters

Lecture 8-9 Protein-protein interactions; the interactome

Introduction to structural biology techniques
Lectures 10 - 12 Crystallography
Lectures 13-14 NMR
Lectures 15 and 16 - Principles of structure determination by cryo-electron microscopy

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 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
• Understand research techniques and their applications
• Understand how different techniques can collectively contribute to the understanding of a biological problem
• Understand 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