BIOL2012 Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function
Module Overview
The module will revise and extend the study of protein architecture, interactions and enzyme function. During the module we explain common concepts using specific systems. The case studies include studies of membrane ion channels, enzymes such as proteases, a number of blood proteins including haemoglobin, and antibodies. We also describe how proteomics can be used to characterise and quantitate multiple proteins in parallel, using extremely sensitive analytical techniques, and how this information can be used to obtain clues about the biological roles of proteins.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- You will be able to explain the scope and relevance of protein science.
- You will be able to critically read scientific publications that deal with structural biology
- You will be able to access, use and evaluate the information available in protein databases to find out about a protein of interest
- You will be able to recognize and describe the architecture of proteins
- You will be able to relate chemical and physical properties of proteins to their function.
- You will be able to explain key concepts in protein function such as affinity and specificity, allosteric regulation.
- Using your new knowledge you will be able to investigate a protein of choice regarding its structure and function as well as its cellular context.
Syllabus
The module will revise and extend the study of protein architecture, interactions and enzyme function. During the module we explain common concepts using specific systems. The case studies include studies of membrane ion channels, enzymes such as proteases, a number of blood proteins including haemoglobin, and antibodies. We also describe how proteomics can be used to characterise and quantitate multiple proteins in parallel, using extremely sensitive analytical techniques, and how this information can be used to obtain clues about the biological roles of proteins.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, library project and computer questionnaires.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 122 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Tutorial | 4 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Mike Williamson (2012). How Proteins Work.
Assessment
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Library project | 30% |
| Written assessment | 70% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 30% |
| Written assessment | 70% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Linked modules
BIOL1007 AND CHEM1039 OR CHEM1042 OR CHEM1043 OR CHEM1044 OR CHEM1045
Pre-requisites
To study this module, you will need to have studied the following module(s):
| Code | Module |
|---|---|
| BIOL1021 | Behaviour of Biomolecules |
| CHEM1039 | Biological Chemistry |