2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOC1203 Genes to Proteins

20 creditsClass Size: 110

Module manager: Joseph Cockburn
Email: j.j.b.cockburn@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A-level chemistry

Pre-requisites

BIOL1112	The Molecules of Life
FOBS1135	The Basis of Life

Module replaces

BIOC1304

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Proteins are the workhorses of the cell. This module explores the molecular structure and function of proteins, how these are studied, how cells make proteins, how proteins fold and what happens when this goes wrong in devastating diseases.Post-requisite module(s): A pass in the present module will be required for Second year Biochemistry modules

Objectives

The aim of this module is to build on the basic knowledge gained in semester one, to develop the molecular-level knowledge and understanding of genome replication, gene expression, protein structure and folding required for biochemistry students. The module will be mainly lecture based with tutorials running alongside to explore the course material in more depth.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the structures of proteins, explain how and why they fold and how their structures relate to their functions
2. Explain how protein structure and function can be studied using a variety of techniques
3. Describe the structure and functions of nucleic acids
4. Explain the processes and regulation of DNA replication, transcription and translation

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
5. To apply knowledge to solve new problems (academic, work ready)
6. To analyse and interpret scientific data (academic, technical)

Syllabus

This module will cover the following topics
- The chemical structures and physiochemical properties of amino acids (chirality, charge, pKa), polypeptide structure, the amide plane, dihedral angles and the Ramachandran plot.
- Hierarchy of protein structure (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary), the interactions that stabilise them; motifs, folds, the structures of fibrous and globular proteins, membrane proteins.
- Preparative protein biochemistry: SDS-PAGE, protein purification by affinity, ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography.
- UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and how they can be used to study biological macromolecules.
- The molecular structures of nucleotides, DNA and RNA. Hierarchy of genome organisation in the nucleus. DNA replication in bacteria and eukaryotic cells.
- The process of transcription in bacteria and its regulation. The lac operon of gene regulation. Transcription in eukaryotic cells and its regulation.
- mRNA splicing. mRNA translation by the ribosome.
- Anfinsen’s experiments on protein folding and the protein folding problem. Levinthal’s paradox. Kinetics and thermodynamics of protein folding. The protein folding pathway: cooperativity, intermediates, chaperone action. Protein misfolding diseases.
- Methods for studying the structure and dynamics of proteins and other biological macromolecules: X-ray crystallography, NMR, AFM, mass spectrometry.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	33	1.00	33.00
Seminar	2	1.00	2.00
Private study hours			165.00
Total Contact hours			35.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

This module will provide continual formative feedback via in-class active learning from in-person teaching. A formative coursework exercise with a timetabled feedback session will prepare students for the summative coursework exercise. Revision question banks will be provided for all topics in the same style as the end-of-module summative assessment. A revision session with a timed element and formative feedback against learning outcomes will be provided in the lead-up to the end-of-module exam.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course Assessment	Coursework	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 30 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:10:35

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