BIC2001 : Proteins: Structure, Function and Biochemistry (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jon Marles-Wright
- Co-Module Leader: Dr David Bolam
- Lecturer: Professor Jane Endicott, Professor Paula Salgado, Professor Gareth Veal, Professor Wyatt Yue, Professor Bert van den Berg
- 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 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aims of this module are to:
Provide students with a detailed understanding of the relationship between protein structure and function, with a focus on enzymes and their regulation.
Provide students with knowledge of the tools scientists use to study proteins and their interactions with other biomolecules.
Enhance student understanding of bioinorganic chemistry, the role of metals in enhancing enzyme catalysis, and key biophysical methods used to study proteins including molecular modelling and protein structure analysis.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics covered in this module include:
Properties and functions of proteins including protein and enzyme structures, folding, disordered proteins, membrane proteins, and their essential roles in life.
Enzyme catalysis and kinetics including enzyme-substrate interactions, kinetic parameters, catalytic mechanisms, and their significance in drug development.
Role of transition metals in expanding enzyme activity.
Biophysical methods for protein analysis.
Practical skills in protein analysis including protein structure modelling, purification, enzyme assays, kinetics, and protein identification.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Preparation and completion of lab reports and exam revision |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 6:00 | 6:00 | Enzyme Inhibition practical |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 7:00 | 7:00 | Protein purification practical |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Revision seminar |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Practical feedback and writeup guidance seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Computer workshop for structure analysis |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Computer session |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 78:00 | 78:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 and workshop 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.
Independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts, preparation for practical classes and using learning resources on the web.
Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, planning and organization and independence.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 60 | Invigilated Exam. Closed book. Answer 3 from 4 short answer questions. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 40 | 1,600 word structured lab report writing up one of two of the practicals. |
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 (students will work in groups of 2) and general laboratory skills.
The structured practical write up tests data analysis, critical thinking and report-writing skills, it also provides an opportunity to explore and develop familiarity with the use of online protein structure analysis tools and develop proficiency in structural modelling and graphical representation of different types of protein structural information.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BIC2001's Timetable