Prerequisites for Module
AS1009 Data Handling Skills or equivalent
Corequisite Modules
AS2040 Fundamental Analytical Techniques and AS2016 or equivalent.
Precluded Modules
None.
Aims of Module
To provide students with an understanding of the principles and technical skills required to analyse and purify selected biological molecules and investigate physiological processes.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
Discuss and apply the fundamental principles of biomolecular analysis of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and nucleotides.
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| 2. |
Explain the principles of protein purification through the application of appropriate strategies to given separation problems.
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| 3. |
Discuss and apply the principles underlying the investigation of enzymatic activity, membrane transport processes, photosynthesis and respiration in processes.
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Indicative Module Content
Methods Employed in the Measurement of: amino acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and nucleotides. Protein purification Methods: Planning, clarification, extraction, extract concentration, applications of separation techniques, methods employing exploitation of activity.
| Measurement of Enzyme Catalysed Reactions: Spectrophotometric, electrochemical, radioisotopic, methods of monitoring substrate utilisation/product formation, application of enzyme kinetics, optimisation. Measurement of Solute Transport: identification of the mechanism of transport for a given solute, patch-clamp techniques.
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Full Time | Laborarory Work
| 90 | Lectures/Workshops
| 30 | Computer-aided Exercises
| 20 |
Directed Study
| | Directed Study
| 100 |
Private Study
| | Private Study
| 60 |
Mode of Delivery
This module is delivered mostly in the laboratory and computer laboratory with supporting workshops and lectures.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Coursework | 1,2,3
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The coursework will comprise a portfolio of activities (e.g. assessment of experimental design, laboratory notebooks, laboratory performance, team working ability, time management, formal reports, oral defence and homework exercises).
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | REED, R., HOLMES, D., WEYERS, J. AND JONES, A., 2003. Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences. 2nd ed. Pearson.
| | 2. | HOLME, D.J. AND PECK, H., 1998. Analytical Biochemistry. 3rd ed. Longman.
| | 3. | HARRIS, E.L.V. AND ANGAL, S., 1995. Protein Purification Methods: A Practical Approach. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press.
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