521-321 General Biochemistry Techniques and Data Analysis

Note

1. This subject may involve the limited use of animals in experiments.
2. Special requirements: Before the commencement of the semester, students must advise the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of their order of preference for the alternative practical sessions and the other subjects they will be taking.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-211, 521-212 and 521-221, or Biological Chemistry 521-024 or (pre-1997) 521-201 and 202 or Biological Chemistry 521-024.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the end of the subject the student should have extended their training in the basic skills of experimental design, laboratory-based experimental techniques, data analyses and data interpretation, and applied these skills to a number of biochemical and biotechnological investigations particularly in the area of protein purification, recombinant protein expression, computer-based storage and analyses of biochemical data. Specific experiments will deal with the theory and practice of protein purification and other techniques appropriate to the handling and analysis of proteins; expression and purification of recombinant proteins; applications of radiotracer technology; organelle isolation and the use of organelles in the study of metabolism; data analysis by computers.

Assessment

Three equally weighted components: 1. laboratory skills and practical management of the experimental program; 2. two written reports of not more than 2000 words each; 3. a written assignment of up to 2000 words or a 2-hour written examination (to be advised at the commencement of the subject).

Prescribed Texts

• Segel I H, Biochemical Calculations. 2nd ed., Wiley.