BSc Medical Biochemistry / Course details

Year of entry: 2023

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Course unit details:
Protein Assembly, Dynamics & Function (E)

Course unit fact file
Unit code	BIOL31311
Credit rating	10
Unit level	Level 3
Teaching period(s)	Semester 1
Offered by	School of Biological Sciences
Available as a free choice unit?	No

Overview

Proteins perform a vast array of functions within living organisms. This unit will covering a range of high profile, contemporary topics in Protein Science, from folding and assembly through to dynamics and membrane transport. You will also study how structural studies of macromolecular assemblies are leading to the development of nanodevices.

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title	Unit code	Requirement type	Description
Proteins	BIOL21111	Pre-Requisite	Compulsory

BIOL31311 Pre-requisite is BIOL21111

BIOL21111 Proteins (Compulsory)

Aims

The unit aims to provide students with an introduction to modern Protein Science, covering a representative range of high profile, contemporary topics, from folding and assembly through to dynamics and membrane transport.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge of the way in which proteins fold, assemble, self-polymerise, move and can be observed.

Syllabus

A) Protein folding:
• in vitro: including techniques used to study it. Protein folding landscapes and pathways.

B) Protein dynamics: methods used to study it, including NMR and simulations. Role in protein function.

C) Protein assembly:
• chaperones: proteins which help other proteins to fold
• assembly of multiprotein complexes e.g. viruses, ribosome

D Structures of membrane protein transporters. Sym and Antiporters. ABC transporters. Ion channels.

E) Macromolecular machines and nanobiotechnology. How structural studies of macromolecular assemblies are leading to the development of nanodevices.

Employability skills

Analytical skills: Data analysis coursework
Problem solving: Data analysis coursework
Written communication: Coursework and data analysis problems

Assessment methods

Method	Weight
Other	20%
Written exam	80%

Examination (80%) 2 hours, 2 questions from 5;

Other - Protein complexes problem (10%);

Feedback methods

Online discussion.
Feedback on essay and data handling problems.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam	1.3
Lectures	18

Independent study hours
Independent study	80.7

Teaching staff

Staff member	Role
Andrew Doig	Unit coordinator

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