Macromolecules and Macromolecular Assemblies: Structure, Analysis and Advanced Microscopy
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE2099 | Life Sciences | 2 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LIFE2099
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module will consist of eleven 2-hour lectures, four 3-hour workshops and three 1-hour tutorials/seminars. It begins with a review of the cytoskeleton and introduction to advanced optical microscopy and tools for studying protein interactions in the cell. Lower level characterization by electron and force microscopy is discussed and the principles of CRISP-cas are discussed. A review of molecular structure is then followed by a discussion of methods for high resolution structural studies of proteins. The module concludes with a brief description of bacterial envelopes and the structure and assembly of inner and outer membranes and the peptidoglycan.
Target Students
Module open to all students undertaking programmes U6UBCHMY / U7UBIOCH (C700/C703), U6UBCHMG / U7UBCHMG CC47/CC4R or U6UBCHMM / U7UBIOMM (C741/C742).Also open to other students, but only with the written agreement of the module convenor.Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed in writing by the named module convenor may be cancelled without notice.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 30% Exam 1 (1-hour): ExamSys exam
- 70% Exam 2 (2-hour): 2 compulsory essays
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module is aimed at introducing the students to the methodological arsenal for studying complex macromolecular systems in vitro and in cells using specific biological examples. It provides an overview of the structures and function of biological macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies with an emphasis on proteins. The module introduces modern structural methods and advanced microscopy techniques in the context of their biological applications.Learning Outcomes
Following a successful completion of the module students will be expected to:
a) Understand:
• the basics of macromolecular structure and folding;
• the role of structure as a determinant of macromolecular function;
• the applicability of various structural techniques to investigations of specific biological problems;
• the basics and use of superresolution light microscopies, as well as electron and force microscopies in tackling specific biological problems.
b) Show ability to:
• analyse quantitatively information obtained using modern methods of structural biology;
• critically assess information presented in specialist publications in structural biology.
c) Develop their skills in:
• communication, verbal and written, via participation in group discussions and reviewing published literature;
• interpretation of scientific data;
• working independently and in groups;
• using computational techniques for data processing and communication of results.