Module Information

Module Identifier
BR26620
Module Title
Proteins and Enzymes
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Protein Portfolio.  A synthesis of the module material culminating in a piece of written work submitted online (approx. 2500 words). The use of experimental bioinformatics tools are also suggested.  50%
Semester Assessment 20 Hours   Data handling Worksheets  Covers Protein Sequencing, Enzyme Kinetics, Thermodynamics, REDOX and Protein Purification  50%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Define how the amino acid sequence contributes to other levels of protein structure and the mechanism associated with protein folding.

2. Recount a variety of post-translational modifications of proteins and describe the processes which govern the targeting of proteins to specific organelles within the cell.

3. Explain how enzymes are assayed and how they can be isolated. Students should also be able to manipulate kinetic data to infer relevant parameters of enzymatic reactions.

4. Perform experimental protocols for the manipulation and characterisation of proteins and to report the results of such experimental investigations clearly and concisely.

5. Manipulate and utilise mathematical equations to enable the extraction of common protein biochemical parameters.

Brief description

The module is designed to extend and reinforce aspects of proteins dealt with in the first year. It will incorporate current research into proteins, folding of nascent proteins, post-translational modifications, working with proteins and manipulating protein biochemical data. The module aims to provide students with a firm understanding of the relationship between protein structure and protein function and how to apply this knowledge.

Content

The module is delivered through lectures, data handling sessions and two practical sessions.
The content will broadly cover:
Protein Structure; Enzymes and enzyme kinetics; Metal Co-factors and prosthetic groups, Protein folding; Protein Targeting; Experimenting and handling proteins; Protein biochemical data manipulation; Protein research.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number A significant component of the module is taught through data-handling problems .
Communication Effective written communication skills will be developed to produce work for a wider audience through a protein portfolio database.
Improving own Learning and Performance Outside the formal contact hours, students will be expected to research materials, manage time and meet deadlines. The directed study elements will provide opportunity for students to explore their own learning styles and preferences and identify their needs and barriers to learning. Students will be able to review and monitor their progress and plan for improvement of personal performance.
Information Technology Accessing the web for information sources and using databases to find primary literature, preparation of coursework. Students will also be assessed through an online test.
Personal Development and Career planning This skill is not developed in this module .
Problem solving This skill is a key component of the module, working out how to find, interpret, and summarise information and present it in an accessible format.
Research skills This is a research based module that requires students to assimilate knowledge from academic literature.
Subject Specific Skills Subject specific concepts relating to protein biochemistry and enzymology will be developed. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of integrated structure and function of proteins and evaluate pertinent protein properties. Students will also solve protein biochemical problems using numerical data and mathematical equations.
Team work Students will work in pairs during the practical class.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5