This first half of this module covers Gene Regulation and Genetic Engineering with a strong Biological Chemistry perspective. This leads into the second half of the module which concerns Protein Architecture and Action including how proteins are assembled and/or modified to carry out their functions.
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Semester 2 2023-24 |
This module builds on core biological chemistry material taught in Year 2 of the chemistry degree. The first half of the course (for Chemists only) provides a detailed overview of molecular biology – a field which over the last 50 years has transformed biological chemistry. After a brief introduction to genes and genomes, the factors regulating gene expression in bacteria and higher organisms will be explored. The course will consider how genes are translated into proteins and how DNA is replicated with high fidelity. With this foundation the course will go on to describe how genes can be isolated and precisely manipulated – leading to the field of genetic engineering, which is underpinning our understanding of protein function. Methods for tailoring enzyme properties using random and rational approaches will be described with examples.
The second half of the module (for both Chemists and Biochemists) explores advanced aspects of protein science – including protein structure and function, determination of structure and protein engineering. Our appreciation of almost all aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology has been enhanced by the elucidation of atomic resolution structures that reveal the underlying chemical mechanisms responsible for biological function. In addition, our ability to exploit this understanding through the use of genetic approaches to engineer proteins, is leading to the generation of improved proteins for therapeutic and biotechnology applications. Students studying this module will be equipped to go on to further studies in biochemistry/molecular biology related fields of study, as well as having valuable insight into the growing biotechnology sector of industry.
Students will be able to
This module begins by exploring the factors that regulate gene expression in bacteria leading to a consideration of how knowledge of gene control allows us to understand the molecular basis of decision-making by cells. We will then discuss how knowledge of gene control and protein synthesis can be exploited for the expression of foreign (such as human) genes in genetically modified micro-organisms. The module will go on to describe the products of these genes - proteins, the most versatile of all molecules. After a discussion of the main features of protein structure, the course will cover the determination of 3D structure through diffraction, microscopy and NMR methods. After a brief discussion of the patterns that are emerging in protein structure (and how this can be exploited to predict protein structure), the course continues with detailed examples of proteins in action.
Transcription & Control of Gene Expression: 5 lectures AJW (5) 1×1h unassessed workshop (AJW)
Protein Synthesis and DNA Replication: 4 lectures AJW (4)
Genetic Engineering and Protein Engineering: 7 lectures GJG (7), 1×1h assessed workshop (AJW)
Protein Structure, Diversity, and Fold Prediction. 4 lectures (JA)
Protein Crystallography 4 lectures (CH)
Spectroscopic Approaches to the Study of Proteins 4 lectures MJP
Electron Microscopy 4 lectures (JNB)
The Proteins component of the course contains a workshop (KDC and JA) in which Molecular Graphics will be used. It will feature Electron Density Map Fitting and the Structural Basis of Enzyme Action
Assessment: Workshop assessment: 1 x 1 hour Assessed on Genetic Engineering. Closed examination: students answer two compulsory questions.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) Closed exam : GP Exam |
2 hours | 80 |
Essay/coursework Assessed workshop : Genetic Engineering Coursework |
1 hours | 20 |
None
Assessed Workshop on Genetic Engineering. This workshop takes the form of a 1 hour session in which the students work though some examples of oligonucleotide design for DNA cloning, mutagenesis and sequencing. After the workshop, the students have up to a week to complete and hand in answers to a set of similar questions on a related system.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) Closed exam : GP Exam |
2 hours | 80 |
Essay/coursework Assessed workshop : Genetic Engineering Coursework |
1 hours | 20 |
Students will receive feedback on their performance in the workshop assessments. They will receive verbal feedback on their progress in the formative workshops, which support lectures.
The closed examinations held in the Summer term are marked typically within 4 weeks with mark slips (with per-question break-down) being returned to students and supervisors in week 10 of the Summer Term. Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry VLE siteswhen the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement. The examiners reports for each question are made available to the students via the Chemistry VLE.
This is provided by the individual lecturers in the form of suggested textbooks and review articles listed on hand-out material and as citations on slides.