Proteins are one of the most important biomolecules made by cells. They carry out a myriad of functions, from catalysis of reactions essential for life to structural scaffolds controlling cell shape and movement. In fact, proteins are the “tools” encoded in the DNA to create a living system. Proteins are also fascinating molecules to study. You will explore the structural organisation of proteins and how they fold into unique conformations that determine their functional properties. You will study catalysis, ligand binding and how proteins come together to create molecular machines. You will also delve into the techniques we use to study proteins. These methods have developed rapidly over the last 20 years, and continue to do so. You will see the advanced instrumentation we use to study proteins in the School and experience working with real data sets. This will enable you to develop skills in problem solving and gain detailed and applied knowledge in this important area of Biochemistry.
Lecture 40 hours, Workshop 20 hours, Feedback Session 6 hours
Worksheet with 17 short answer questions Short Writing Piece. Assessment Details: Web-tools and Molecular Graphics worth 15%.
Worksheet with 21 short answer questions Short Writing Piece . Assessment Details: Mass Spectrometry, Circular Dichroism and Fluorescence worth 15%.
Worksheet with 19 short answer questions Short Writing Piece. Assessment Details: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy worth 15%.
2 hours Exam. Assessment Details: Exam 1 worth 2750%.
2 hours Exam. Assessment Details: Exam 2 worth 2750%.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Discuss the structural organisation of proteins and how protein function is related to structure
2. Appraise the current biophysical methods available to study proteins and their suitability for particular applications
3. Apply advanced web-based tools and software packages to retrieve and analyse protein experimental data
4. Apply concepts and subject knowledge to solve complex problems using data from a range of different protein analysis techniques
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