Postgraduate Course: Biophysical Chemistry for MSc Biochemistry (PGBI11107)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course deals with the major principles of physics and chemistry that underlie the structures, dynamics and interactions of biological macromolecules. The lectures will detail the structures of biomacromolecules and will provide an overview of many modern biophysical techniques. The workshops will allow students to probe macromolecular structures and to explore how the techniques are applied to biological systems and drug discovery. Techniques covered will include NMR spectroscopy, circular dichroism, light scattering, fluorescence, mass spectrometry and surface plasmon resonance. |
| Course description |
Weeks 1-3 Chemistry & Structure of Biomacromolecules
- including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates
Weeks 4-10 Biophysical Characterisation
- theory and applications in Biology of a range of biophysical techniques
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 30,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
68 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
One essay of 2,000 words on a topic to be agreed between the lecturing staff and the Course Organiser (worth 40%) and an in-course problem (worth 60%). |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Have a good understanding of macromolecular structure, conformational changes, dynamics and interactions.
- Be able to use molecular graphics tools to analyse molecular structures.
- Be familiar with the basic theory and experimental aspects of several modern biophysical techniques and to explain how they can be applied to investigate molecular structure, size, conformation, stability and interactions
- Be able to make a critical interpretation of the relevant literature
- Be able to write a coherent, interesting and informative essay
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Reading List
One or more of the following text books: (reading an occasional chapter)
Biophysical Chemistry by A. Cooper, Royal Society of Chemistry 2011
Biophysical Chemistry, volumes 1-3 by C.R. Cantor and P.R. Schimmel, Freeman, 1980
Biophysical Techniques by I.D. Campbell, Oxford University Press, 2012
Physical Chemistry: Principles and Applications in Biological Sciences by I. Tinoco, K. Sauer, J.C. Wang and J.D. Puglisi, Prentice Hall, 2002
Principles of Physical Biochemistry by K.E. van Holde, W.C. Johnson and P.S. Ho, Prentice Hall, 1998.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | BiophysChem |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Janice Bramham
Tel: (0131 6)50 4786
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Andrea Nichol
Tel: (0131 6)50 8643
Email: |
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