BI3BR7-Structural Proteomics

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: BI2BL5 Protein Structure and Function
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Kimberly Watson
Email: k.a.watson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module will build upon the foundations of 3-dimensional protein structure and how $£function follows form', laid in the Protein Structure Function module (BI2BL5). Without doubt, Structural $£omics' efforts have had an enormous impact on structural databases, but importantly, these efforts equally have had huge technological impact that has altered the way structural biologists and protein biochemists work. The role that Structural Proteomics has played in the first part of the 21st century is equivalent to that played by the Human Genome project in the last part of the 20th century. This module will provide an historical and up-to-date overview of the Structural Proteomics field and its impact on Life Science research.

Aims:

• To gain fundamental and detailed knowledge of the field of Structural Proteomics for Life Science research.


• To gain an appreciation for the technological advances developed and used in Structural Proteomics research.


• To understand the principles of modern biophysical and bioanalytical techniques to unravel protein structure and function.


• To develop an understanding of the importance of multidisciplinary approaches used to elucidate molecular details of protein structure and function.


• To gain experience of using computational tools and Web servers to investigate protein structure and function of an unknown protein.


• To gain an appreciation of how to unravel detailed molecular mechanisms using integrated Structural Proteomics techniques.

Intended learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to:-

• Describe the impact of Structural Proteomics on macromolecular databases


• Outline the advances in high throughput technologies arising from Structural Proteomics and describe their impact on life science research


• Explain the importance of target selection strategies


• Describe the role of bioinformatics and biochemical methods to guide target selection


• Discuss protein engineering approaches for protein structure-function research


• Outline methods for separation and identification of protein targets


• Explain the principles of various biophysical methods (for example, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry, Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy, Small Angle X-ray Scattering, cryo-Electron Microscopy) to elucidate molecular details of protein structure and function


• Give examples to demonstrate the role and impact of Structural Proteomics for select proteins and protein families


• Describe the impact of Structural Proteomics on drug design.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Using discrete examples, provide a detailed overview of the role of Structural Proteomics in protein structure-function research


• Comparative analysis of the various techniques used to inform protein structure and function


• Use data provided and extract additional data from Web-based resources to inform target selection and biophysical analysis of an unknown protein.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
Teaching will be through a series of 14 lectures with 2 supporting practicals. The practicals will be computer-based. Independent study based around web-based material will be expected.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	14
Practicals classes and workshops	6
External visits	5
Guided independent study:	75
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Practical skills assessment	50
Class test administered by School	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:
This module is 100% course work.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There are four computer-based practical assessments, each weighted equally (12.5%); totalling 50%. These are based on the lectures and practical material provided, throughout the module. The first of the computer-based practicals is set in Week 5 (with a 2-week deadline for submission). These are set in alternate weeks, each with a 2-week deadline for submission. The online class test is administered via BB in Week 11. It will be a 24hr release for completion and submission and covers the material covered in the first 5 weeks of term. The Written Assignment takes the form of a research proposal, based on identification and characterisation of an unknown protein, using the methods learned in this module. The deadline for submission of the Written Assignment is Week 15.

Formative assessment methods:
Formative assessments will include interactive quiz questions and/or discussions to be held at regular intervals during the lectures/practicals, which will help to reinforce and recap on the key points raised. The quizzes and discussions will help to improve student attainment, as well as being used to monitor the group progress and understanding of the module material.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-submission of coursework in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  Travel to and from Research Complex and Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire.

Last updated: 30 March 2023