Search our site
Search our site

Proteins and Metabolism

  • Module code: LS5002
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 5
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: LS4002
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module is core in the Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Human Biology, Medical Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology routes) and Nutrition (Human Nutrition). It is also an option module for Biomedical Science. The module provides students with knowledge of the structure and methods of analysis of proteins, with particular emphasis on enzymes. This is followed by the study of the major catabolic and anabolic pathways and investigates how organisms obtain and use energy. These processes, and their regulation in health and disease, are considered at the molecular level, which involves many proteins including enzymes.

Aims

  • To provide students with a knowledge of structure and methods of analysis of proteins.
  • To develop practical and interpretative skills in protein analysis and intermediary metabolism.
  • To promote a comprehensive understanding of the major catabolic and anabolic pathways found in carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolism.
  • To investigate how organisms obtain energy and use energy from metabolic pathways.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate a detailed understanding of the structure of proteins, including enzymes, and have a comprehensive knowledge of practical and graphical methods involved the investigation of enzyme activity.
  • understand the principles of methods involved in the analysis of proteins.
  • define free energy and describe the relationship of the chemiosmotic theory to mitochondrial electron transport.
  • identify and describe the major pathways of carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolism and comprehend the role of compartmentation, allosterism and covalent modification in metabolic regulation.
  • develop practical skills involved in protein biochemistry and metabolism.
  • manipulate and critically interpret data related to methods covered in this module.

Curriculum content

  • Amino Acids - Revision of basic structure and chemical properties.  Structure of side chains.
  • Protein Structure - Structure and properties of the peptide bond, levels of protein structure relating to primary structure and function of proteins. Methods of protein structure determination.
  • Enzymes - Structural features of enzymes relating to function. Measurement of enzyme activity, including calculation of kinetic parameters and enzyme inhibition.
  • Protein Purification Techniques: Ultracentrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis as applied to the purification of proteins.
  • Bioenergetics & Oxidative Phosphorylation: Free energy changes, reduction potentials, coupled reactions and electron transport. Organisation of the inner mitochondrial membrane and its relationship to the chemiosmotic theory.
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism: Integration and regulation of glycolysis/ gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway and the citric acid cycle.
  • Amino Acid Metabolism: Integration and regulation of amino acid metabolism.
  • Lipid & Cholesterol Metabolism: Integration and regulation of b-oxidation, ketone body metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, triglyceride metabolism and cholesterol synthesis. Classification and roles of serum lipoproteins.

Teaching and learning strategy

This module is delivered through a variety of lectures, workshops/tutorials and practical laboratory sessions.

Lectures will provide students with a basic grounding in each subject covered, from which they will be expected to supplement their knowledge with reading of suggested articles provided through the use of StudySpace, with the opportunity for students to obtain feedback on their understanding of the lectures through formative assessments. Practical work will demonstrate some of the principles covered in the lectures and give students 'hands on' experience of some basic protein analysis techniques. Practical report writing will test students' written communication skills and their application of theoretical aspects of the module. Students will also be expected to demonstrate competence in basic laboratory techniques. Tutorials will be structured, student centred discussions. These will be aimed at enhancing students' understanding of the subject matter and also encouraging their critical thinking. Workshops will be based on developing data analysis skills and will present a number of opportunities to formatively assess understanding of the theoretical aspects of the module. Independent learning skills are developed through directed reading and are necessary to achieve the learning outcomes.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching 59 one hour keynote lectures 12 hours tutorials/workshops 3 x 3 hours practical sessions 80
Guided independent study Student independent study 220
Study abroad / placement
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment is through a portfolio of three laboratory reports (worth 30% in total and 10 % each), a seen test (typically consisting of data interpretation, essay and/or short answer questions; 30%) on protein structure and analysis, and an end of module examination which will require students to answer essay type questions and a set of multiple choice questions (worth 40%) on metabolism.

A range of formative assessments undertaken both in class and during independent study, of relatively short duration, will be set on content determined by the module team.

The laboratory classes are designed to develop relevant practical skills. These together with the workshops and data interpretation sessions are aimed to provide practise in manipulating and critically interpreting data related to methods and theory covered in this module. Formative assessment is designed to reinforce the material covered in lectures and workshops and to prepare students for all summative assessments. The seen test and formal examination will test the understanding of the theory delivered in lectures, tutorials and workshops.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the structure of proteins including enzymes and have a comprehensive knowledge of practical and graphical methods involved the investigation of enzyme activity. Practical reports (S), test (S) and workshop exercises (F)
2. Understand the principles of methods involved in the analysis of proteins. Test (S) and formative assessment (F)
3. Define free energy and describe the relationship of the chemiosmotic theory to mitochondrial electron transport. End of module examination (S) and formative assessment (F)
4. Identify and describe the major pathways of carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolism and comprehend the role of compartmentation, allosterism and covalent modification in metabolic regulation. End of module examination (S) and formative assessment (F)
5. Develop practical skills involved in protein biochemistry and metabolism. Practical reports (S)
6. Manipulate and critically interpret data related to methods covered in this module and scientific data in general. Test (S), practical reports (S), end of module examination (S) and workshop exercises (F)

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
End-of-module exam Written Exam 40%
In-class Test Written Exam 30%
Portfolio of laboratory reports Coursework 30%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

The most recent editions of:

Useful Tips for Handling Data in Biology Practicals. Life Sciences Study Package 3.

Nelson D L & Cox M M Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, Worth Publishers

or

Berg, J M, Tymoczko, J L & Stryer L Biochemistry, W H Freeman and Co.

Bibliography recommended reading

Holme D J and Peck H Analytical Biochemistry, Longman

Find a course

Course finder

Find a course
>