Module BIOL4011: Biomolecular Analysis

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL4011: Biomolecular Analysis

Prerequisites

• Satisfactory completion of Level 2 Biological Sciences course.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to theoretical aspects of the analysis of biological molecules.
• To demonstrate research-led approaches to the analysis of genomes, proteins, mRNA populations and metabolites.
• To provide practical training in aspects of molecular biology and structural biology.
• To provide the training needed to decide upon appropriate techniques for analysis of biological molecules.

Content

• Searching and interpreting specific internet databases, including DNA and protein databases, composite and secondary databases.
• Structural biology databases: use in defining structure-function relationships.
• Introduction to recombinant protein over-expression.
• Biological molecules; modern methods of separation and analysis.
• Analysis of metabolites.
• Introduction to proteomics.

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to use appropriate bioinformatics procedures to retrieve and interpret biological data.
• Interpret experimental results in the analysis of biological molecules and comment on these: Understand the limitations and possibilities of new technologies in this analysis.
• Rationalise approaches that can be used to solve a biochemical problem dependent on the knowledge base available.
• Acquire, interpret ad critically analyse experimental evidence and present results effectively.
• Critically analyse protein structure-function relationships.
• Recognise apparent contradictions in the field and suggest areas for further investigation.

• Interpret experimental results in areas of biomolecular analysis.
• Understand the limitations and possibilities of new technologies in analysis of biomolecules.
• Rationalise approaches that can be used to solve a biochemical problem dependent on the knowledge base available.
• Use appropriate bioinformatics procedures to retrieve and interpret biological data.
• Identify appropriate fields of inquiry and determine an appropriate investigative methodology.

• Acquire, interpret and critically analyse experimental data and present the results effectively.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Taught Component: Teaching and learning in the component is primarily through the means of lectures and seminars. This mode of teaching and learning is important and efficient in acquiring knowledge and promotes understanding.
• Practical Component: Teaching and learning in this component will be through the preparation and examination of biological molecules and a presentation of the data. This form of teaching and learning is important in acquiring competence and skills and advancing understanding by practical experience.
• Knowledge will be summatively assessed by means of an extended essay.
• Competence in the analysis of biological molecules and interpretation of data will be assessed by means of written report and a presentation.
• Understanding will be assessed by means of an extended essay.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University