Module Catalogue 2024/25

BGM2060 : Proteins and Enzymes

BGM2060 : Proteins and Enzymes

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr David Bolam
  • Lecturer: Professor Jane Endicott, Professor Wyatt Yue, Dr Jon Marles-Wright, Professor David Elliott, Dr Elizabeth Veal
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

BMS Phase 1 Core Modules.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aim of the module is to provide students with a detailed understanding of protein structure, function and application, with particular focus on enzymes.

Outline Of Syllabus

•Properties of proteins and enzymes, macromolecules essential to all life.

•Protein secondary structure, super secondary structure and tertiary folds and introduce key concepts in protein folding, including intrinsically unfolded proteins.

•Specific interactions between enzymes and substrates are determined by protein structure and how preferential binding of the transition state by enzymes leads to catalysis

•Kinetic parameters that describe enzyme catalysis, inhibition and allosteric regulation

•Mechanisms of action of several major enzyme classes to illustrate key catalytic strategies.

•The concept that a protein can carry out more than one function ('moonlighting' proteins)

•Catalysis by RNA and comparison to protein enzymes.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to:

1. Discuss advanced aspects of protein biochemistry such as protein structure and folding.
2. Explain the quantitative determination and significance of enzyme steady-state kinetic parameters.
3. Discuss the structural basis of enzyme catalysis and substrate specificity, and the contribution of kinetic and physical experiments to an understanding of these properties.
4. Describe the different mechanisms by which enzymes can be inhibited by small molecules and the importance of enzyme inhibitors as drugs and toxins.
5. Describe how allosteric properties are related to protein structure.
6. Understand that a single protein can carry out multiple functions.
7. Illustrate and compare the enzymology of selected biological catalysts, including RNA.
8. Solve quantitative and conceptual problems in each of these topics.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to:

1. Generate, analyse and interpret experimental data.
2. Solve quantitative and conceptual problems in enzymology.
3. Generate reports.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture201:0020:00In person on campus
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion180:0080:00Preparation and completion of lab reports and exam revision
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical17:007:00In person on campus
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical16:006:00In person on campus
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching12:002:00In peron on campus. Revision seminar to provide opportunities for discussion and clarification of module
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching31:003:00In person seminars - Practical write up guidance and feedback sessions
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study182:0082:00Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures will cover the key points of the module and will be reinforced by the practicals. Seminars offer students an opportunity to discuss their understanding and check their learning against the module outcomes.

The practicals form the core of this module as they will give the students ‘hands-on’ experience of key methods in protein biochemistry, and provide training in data acquisition, interpretation and critical analysis.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination902A70In person invigilated Exam. 4 short answer questions. All questions to be answered
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report2M151,600 words
Practical/lab report2M151,200 words
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Exams test all knowledge across the module.

Practicals assess students understanding of key points in the lectures, ability to report and analyse results, and tests their teamwork skills (students will work in groups of 2) and general laboratory skills.

The practical write up tests data analysis, critical thinking and report-writing skills.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Original Handbook text:

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.