Physical biochemistry: measurement, analysis & applications - BIO00020C
- Department: Biology
- Credit value: 30 credits
- Credit level: C
-
Academic year of delivery: 2026-27
- See module specification for other years: 2025-26
Module summary
“Physical biochemistry” runs through the whole academic year and explores the basis of the experimental toolbox used by biochemists to ask biochemical questions about biological systems. The module contains a consideration of atomic and molecular structure, energy and thermodynamics leading in to the physical basis of spectroscopies relevant to biochemistry. Concepts and practice around using databases of biochemical data and applying separations science will be integrated with an introduction to tools in data analysis and practical experimental design.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2026-27 to Semester 2 2026-27 |
Module aims
“Physical biochemistry” runs through the whole academic year and explores the basis of the experimental toolbox used by biochemists to ask biochemical questions about biological systems. The module contains a consideration of atomic and molecular structure, energy and thermodynamics leading in to the physical basis of spectroscopies relevant to biochemistry. Concepts and practice around using databases of biochemical data and applying separations science will be integrated with an introduction to tools in data analysis and practical experimental design.
Module learning outcomes
To be able to explain how light interacts with matter in ways that can be used experimentally by biochemists, to gain understanding of biological systems
To build and use experimental equipment in a laboratory setting to collect and analyse data about biological systems
To use sequence and structure databases to make predictions about macromolecular structure and function
To apply data analysis techniques to experimental data
To explain and use standard methods for separation of biological materials
To design simple experiments using biological and spectroscopic methods
Module content
The module will include teaching in these areas:
Atomic structure, energy, thermodynamics
Physical basis of spectroscopy
Build a spec
Databases, intro to seq. analysis
Proteins and separations
Data analysis inc. statistics
Protein Absorption
Protein purification and interactions
Experimental design: microscopy versus optical density
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 70.0 |
| Essay/coursework | 30.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 70.0 |
| Essay/coursework | 30.0 |
Module feedback
Through supported learning in workshops. Through specimen questions and answer on the VLE. Through return of marked scripts after the assessment.
Indicative reading
.