BL3324 Advanced Biochemistry
(BL3324 online module handbook version )
image: X-Ray Crystal Structure of the SARS Coronavirus Main Protease, PDB code 1Q2W†
Recent transformative changes in Biochemistry have enabled the exploration of biomolecular structures and their interactions, in vitro and in vivo. This module will provide an overview of the growing and powerful toolkit available for this new era in Biochemistry. An appreciation of these techniques, and their applications, is essential to address:
1. fundamental questions in biology
2. the 'grand challenges' including: sustainable agriculture & food, renewable resources and clean growth and an integrated understanding of health
Advanced Biochemistry will provide a broad overview of current and emerging approaches used to characterise proteins and their interactions with other metabolites, proteins, biomolecules and drugs.
*Credits: 20*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must take BL3301 and ( pass BL2302 or pass BL2306 )*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
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
BL3324: Assessment
3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%*
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
BL3324: Contributing Staff †
BL3324: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL3324 successfully should be able to:
- develop an appreciation of current and emerging approaches used to characterise protein function in vivo and in vitro
- be able to outline the methods used to characterise protein-ligand interactions in vivo and in vitro, (ligands including metabolites, proteins, biomolecules, drugs)
- be able to demonstrate the use of enzyme kinetics to characterise an enzyme and its inhibition
- gain an awareness of bioenergetic experimental approaches and their application to the study of the associations between mitochondria and disease
- gain more confidence in experimental design, data handling and data presentation
BL3324: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Biomolecule isolation/characterisation
- Buffers
- Database interogation
- Enzyme assay
- Image analysis
- Image processing
- Kinetic data analysis
- Molecular viewer software
- Protein characterisation
Transferable Skills
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- Digital Exhibit
- Individual pamphlet aimed at general audience
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Searching databases
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Impact considerations
- Lab safety awareness
- Online learning
- Problem-solving questions
- Calculations/equations
- Concentrations
- Data analysis
- Data presentation
- Dilutions
- Linear regression
- Non-linear fit
- SI units
- Use other data analysis software
- Use R or R Studio
- 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/
