BL3322 Basic Biochemistry Laboratory
(BL3322 online module handbook version 23)
This module aims to provide students with the basic skills for independent laboratory work and an opportunity to develop academic skills such as: the design of experiments; logistic planning; the gathering and assessment of data; and the presentation of results. In addition, transferable skills such as group work, working to deadlines, numeracy, critical reading of peer-reviewed literature, and presenting material (oral and written) will be developed. Importantly, the course will also be an opportunity to meet and work with others in the honours cohort. The practical element will emphasise techniques in protein biochemistry.
*Credits: 10*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL2301 or pass BL2302 or pass BL2306*
Anti-requisite Modules:You cannot take this module if you take BL3000 or take PN3321*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL3322: Assessment
Coursework = 100%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL3322: Contributing Staff †
BL3322: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL3322 successfully should be able to:
- Apply good working practices in the laboratory, including an awareness of issues relating to safety
- Be confident in performing experiments
- Acquire, organise and analyse data appropriately
- Carry out standard biochemical techniques including spectrophotometric assays, chromatography, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting.
- Record experiments in a lab-book
- Read scientific literature critically
- Have basic knowledge of how the NHS clinical laboratory works
- Apply good working practices in the laboratory, including an awareness of issues relating to safety
BL3322: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Biomolecule isolation/characterisation
- Buffers
- Chromatography
- Enzyme assay
- Kinetic data analysis
- Pipetting
- Protein characterisation
- Protein purification
- Protein quantitation
- SDS PAGE
- Western Blot
Transferable Skills
- Short group presentation on given topic (up to 15 min)
- Handout (for presentation or poster)
- Summary
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding literature
- Lab safety awareness
- Problem-solving questions
- Calculations/equations
- Concentrations
- Data presentation
- Descriptive statistics
- Dilutions
- Draw a line of best fit
- Linear regression
- Non-linear fit
- Produce graphs/figures
- Produce tables
- SI units
- Use Excel
- Volumes
- Lab or field notebook
- Critiquing experimental design
- Designing experiments
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
