CH411-15 Advanced Chemical Biology
Introductory description
The module describes recent development in Chemical Biology research, that make use of molecular biology techniques.
Module aims
The aim of the module is to describe advances in modern Chemical Biology research, that utilise molecular biology techniques. These techniques will be described in the first part of the module, and examples from the literature described in the second half.
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.
Lectures 1-6. Methods for gene cloning & genetic manipulation (CC). Plasmids as cloning vectors, use of restriction enzymes for simple gene cloning. Polymerase chain reaction for gene cloning. Site-directed mutagenesis. Methods for gene deletion and genetic manipulation. 2 x 1 hr workshops.
Lectures 7-12. Applications of molecular biology for chemical biology (TDHB). Protein engineering using site-directed mutagenesis. Directed evolution for protein engineering. In vitro selection of RNA, catalytic RNA & riboswitches. Peptide libraries from phage display and genetically encoded peptide libraries. Metabolic engineering of new pathways for natural product biosynthesis & biotechnology. 2 x 1 hr workshops.
Lectures 13-16. Protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography (LA). Principles of X-ray diffraction. Methods for solving protein structures by X-ray crystallography. Case studies for enzymes & proteins determined by X-ray crystallography. To include some examples of enzymes from protein engineering studies. 1 x 2 hr workshop linked to assessment on solving protein structure.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Describe and present current advances in Chemical Biology research.
- Make an effective written presentation on a topic in current Chemical Biology research.
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Specific reading list for the module
Research element
Students will be required to research what is already known about the type of enzyme covered in the workshop in order to write their assessment.
Subject specific skills
Bonding and Intermolecular interactions
Transferable skills
Communication
Problem solving
Sourcing information
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 16 sessions of 1 hour (11%) |
| Supervised practical classes | 4 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Private study | 128 hours (85%) |
| Assessment | 2 hours (1%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group D4
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Written assignment | 20% | 2 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Written assignment based on the protein structure determination workshop |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Centrally-timetabled examination (On-campus) | 80% | No | |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Individual written feedback on assignment provided to students. Cohort level examination feedback provided via Moodle.
Pre-requisites
To take this module, you must have passed:
Courses
This module is Optional for:
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UCHA-F110 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with Industrial Placement)
- Year 4 of F110 MChem Chemistry (with Industrial Placement)
- Year 4 of F112 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Placement
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UCHA-F109 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with International Placement)
- Year 4 of F109 MChem Chemistry (with International Placement)
- Year 4 of F111 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (with International Placement)
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UCHA-4M Undergraduate Master of Chemistry Variants
- Year 4 of F105 Chemistry
- Year 4 of F125 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry