521-220 Techniques in Protein & Gene Technology

Biochemistry 521-211

The subject is intended as a skills course for all students taking life science subjects and combined degrees. This subject should be undertaken by students contemplating any third year level study in life science and the subject is a specific prerequisite for most subjects offered by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in third year. The subject is conceptually organised in three major divisions:

• basic skills, experimental accuracy and data interpretation;

• separation and handling of proteins;

• separation and handling of nucleic acids.

The lectures will provide a summary of the theory of classic laboratory techniques that continue as the main activity of research in biochemistry and molecular biology. In addition new technologies that students may encounter in the emerging fields of genomics and proteomics will be described. Progress in research is predicated not only on asking appropriate questions, but on having the laboratory support and skills to investigate those questions. Students will be able to develop skills of preparation, execution and interpretation of laboratory procedures within the context of performing:

• chromatographic separation of small and large biological molecules;

• estimations of cellular metabolites and macromolecules;

• determination of kinetic parameters of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase;

• purification of the enzyme lysozyme;

• purification and characterisation of chromosomal and plasmid DNA;

• restriction mapping of the lambda phage genome;

• interrogation of computer databases in life sciences.

Written reports of experiments, and related exercises, due at specific times after the completion of each activity (50%); a 2-hour written examination (40%) and credit for computer assisted learning (10%)

• K Wilson and J Walker, Principles and Techniques of Practical Biochemistry. 5th ed., Cambridge University Press, 2000.