521-220 Techniques in Protein & Gene Technology

Not available to students enrolled in the BBiomedSc.

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.

Biochemistry 521-211.

This is a skills subject suitable for students taking life science subjects and combined degrees. Its focus is primarily on the development of practical skills in the laboratory and the understanding of techniques employed in biochemistry to investigate biological problems. This subject should be undertaken by students considering any third-year level study in life science. 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 into three major divisions:

• basic skills, experimental accuracy and data interpretation;

• separation and handling of proteins; and

• separation and handling of nucleic acids.

The lectures will provide a summary of the theory of both classic laboratory techniques and the latest methodology that are central to research progress in biochemistry and molecular biology. The new technologies to be described are driving the emerging fields of genomics and proteomics. 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 by performing:

• chromatographic separation of small and large biological molecules;

• quantitation of macromolecules;

• determination of kinetic parameters of a glycolytic enzyme;

• purification of the enzyme lysozyme;

• purification and characterisation of chromosomal and plasmid DNA;

• restriction mapping of the lambda phage genome;

• polymerase chain reaction to amplify DNA of interest;

• interrogation of computer databases in life sciences.

Students will learn to relate theoretical principles to practical explanations, through observing and reporting on practical work.

Ongoing computer-based assessment during the semester (5%); written reports of experiments and related exercises due after the completion of each activity (50%); a 1-hour laboratory practical test during the semester (10%); a 50-minute written test held mid-semester (5%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (30%).