Module BIOL4011: Biomolecular Analysis (4)

Department: Biosciences

BIOL4011: Biomolecular Analysis (4)

Prerequisites

• Satisfactory completion of Level 3 Biology and Chemistry MSci 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 select and apply appropriate techniques for analysis of biological modules.

Content

• Introduction to Systems Biology.
• 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 metallomics in biology.

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to use appropriate bioinformatics procedures to retrieve and interpret biological data.
• Interpretation of experimental results in the analysis of biological molecules
• Understanding of the limitations and possibilities of new technologies in the analysis of biological molecules, to the limits of current knowledge.
• Rationalise approaches that can be used to solve a biochemical problem dependent on the knowledge base available.
• Recognition of apparent contradictions in the field, leading to suggestion of areas for further investigation exploiting the full range of existing knowledge.

• Acquisition, interpretation and critical analysis of experimental evidence.
• Critical analysis of protein structure-function relationships.
• Interpret experimental results in areas of biomolecular analysis.
• Understand the limitations and possibilities of new technologies in analysis of biomolecules, to the limits of current knowledge.
• Rationalise approaches that can be used to solve a biochemical problem dependent on the entire knowledge base available.
• Use appropriate bioinformatics procedures to retrieve and interpret biological data.
• Identify appropriate fields of inquiry and determine an appropriate investigative methodology.

• Effective presentation of the results of experimental investigations through reports and presentations

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.
• Competence in the analysis of biological molecules and interpretation of data will be assessed by means of written report and a presentation.

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