Description
This module gives an introduction to techniques and approaches that are used to investigate biochemical problems, together with their underlying principles. It is also designed to give experience in practical work, data science, programming, calculation, and reading scientific papers. Specific areas that are covered include pH; basic spectroscopy; mass spectrometry, NMR and X-ray methods; statistical methods; protein purification and assays; molecular biology methods; bioinformatics and homology modelling.
In addition to the lecture programme students take part in fortnightly tutorials in small groups of between 4 and 6 students. The tutorial programme will complement the lecture series and includes various problem solving exercises as well as reading current literature. In addition you will explore current research topics, give oral presentations, interview academics about their research and write essays for your tutor.
Illustrative lecture schedule (based on 2023/24 topics)
Introduction to the module
pH, pKa, buffers
Introduction to scientific computing
Command line Python programming
Reading scientific papers
Referencing
Experimental design
Statistics
Bioinformatics
Applications of Molecular Biology
Introduction to spectroscopy
Purifying proteins
Homology modelling
Mass spectrometry
Methods for determining macromolecular structure and interactions
Omics
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Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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