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SL22016: Protein structure and analysis

[Page last updated: 03 June 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CWRI 13%, CWSI 12%, EXOB 75%
Assessment Detail:
  • Purification, crystallisation and protein structure determination (CWRI 13%)
  • Set exercises Individual (CWSI 4%)
  • Set exercises Individual (CWSI 4%)
  • Set exercises Individual (CWSI 4%)
  • Open-book written examination (EXOB 10%)
  • Open-book written examination (EXOB 65%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: After taking this course, the student should be able to:
  • Describe qualitatively the interactions that determine the native conformation of a protein and its stability
  • Describe the form, occurrence and function of protein folds
  • Describe the process and application of spectroscopic, diffraction, microscopic and other techniques to the investigation of molecular structures and assemblies
  • Compare the relative advantages and limitations of a range of techniques used to investigate macromolecular structures
  • Propose appropriate experiments for given structural questions
  • Analyse structural data



Synopsis: You will gain an understanding of how modern biochemical and biophysical techniques are used to study macromolecular structure and function, studies that underpin much of modern biochemistry. Supported by workshops andpractical experience, you will develop an understanding of methods for protein characterisation and macromolecular structure determination, and an appreciation of their strengths and limitations.

Content: Protein structure Techniques for macromolecular structure determination (X-ray crystallography, NMR, Cryo-EM) Techniques for protein characterisation (including but not limited to: Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, solution scattering, centrifugation, ITC)

Course availability:

SL22016 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Chemistry
  • USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Chemistry) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Chemistry) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Chemistry) with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Pharmacology) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Pharmacology) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Pharmacology) with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSC-AFM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Chemistry) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Chemistry) with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSC-AFM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Pharmacology) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Pharmacology) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Pharmacology) with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
Department of Life Sciences
  • USSL-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFM10 : MBiochem(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM10 : MBiochem(Hons) Biochemistry with professional placement (Year 2)

SL22016 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Chemistry
  • USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSC-AFM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) with professional placement (Year 2)
Department of Life Sciences
  • USSL-AFB12 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB12 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFM12 : MBiomed(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM12 : MBiomed(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with professional placement (Year 2)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.