6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
The unit begins with an introduction to the cellular environment, considering the interactions that stabilise biological macromolecules and the maintenance of constant pH within cells and organisms. Next, we will study the structure and function of proteins and the techniques for their isolation and purification. The composition of biological membranes and the structure of nucleic acids and their packaging within cells is considered. This is followed by a study of the mechanisms of synthesis, modification and degradation of nucleic acids and proteins. The mechanisms that control these processes are emphasised.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Discuss the buffering mechanisms that operate in biological systems;
- Recognise the role of non-covalent interactions in the maintenance of tertiary and quaternary conformation of biological macromolecules;
- Explain the connection between protein structure and function;
- Discuss strategies for the isolation and purification of proteins from biological samples;
- Discuss the principles of storage and transmission of genetic information and describe control mechanisms which operate at the level of gene expression;
- Use spectrophotometric methods to assay biological molecules in solution;
- Analyse and interpret laboratory data and present in an appropriate format.
Assessment
Assignment work: 20%
Practical work: 30%
Examination (2 hours): 50%
Workload requirements
Three 1-hour lectures per week, 36 hours of laboratory per semester.
See also Unit timetable information