Module Details

Module Code: BIOL7001
Title: Applied Enzymology
Long Title: Applied Enzymology
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module builds upon the principles of enzyme catalysis and regulation, differentiates between enzyme catalytic mechanisms, describes the industrial applications of enzymes and the principles of enzyme technologies.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain enzyme reaction rates and identify the factors that influence these rates, describe, using specific examples, mechanisms of enzyme catalysis
LO2 Describe the concepts of co-operative behaviour, enzyme inhibition and allosteric regulation.
LO3 Describe the major applications of enzymes in industry, understand the principles of enzyme immobilisation techniques and enzyme extraction procedures.
LO4 Perform fixed time and kinetic enzyme assays that investigate factors which influence reaction rates, and demonstrate industrial applications of enzymes.
LO5 Write scientific reports and calculate enzyme kinetic constants to interpret analytical data from enzyme assays.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
The student must have sucessfully completed the level 6 module Enzymes and Metabolism (3309).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Enzyme catalysis
Review of Michaelis-Menten kinetics, plotting of kinetic data / mechanisms of enzyme catalysis / enzyme inhibitors and effects on kinetic constants (Km, Vmax, Ki, Kcat) / Sigmoidal kinetics and allosteric enzymes / Arrhenius equation / multi-substrate reactions.
Enzymatic analysis
Enzyme assay design: optimisation parameters (reaction progress curves, rate measurements, effects of enzyme and substrate concentration), types of assay (fixed time, kinetic, coupled assays), practical considerations (enzyme purity, stability, buffers). Monitoring methods: photometric, electrochemical. Enzyme extraction and purification procedures / Enzymes as reagents for substrate measurement / Diagnostic kit methods and coupled reactions.
Enzyme technology and applications
Immobilised enzymes (adsorption, covalent coupling, entrapment, choice of matrix) / Biosensors / Reporter enzymes / Disease-specific therapies (enzyme replacement, substrate reduction) / antibiotic production / pilot scale processing.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Practical examination
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Themed laboratory reports and data handling exercises
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class-based instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory practical skills Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of lecture notes Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Laboratory report writing and data handling exercises Every Week 1.00 1
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Bisswanger, H.. (2011), Practical Enzymology, 2nd. Wiley Blackwell, [ISBN: 3527320768].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Okotore, R.O.. (2015), Essentials of Enzymology, Xlibris, [ISBN: 9781503527232].
  • Moorthy, K.. (2007), Fundamentals of Biochemical Calculations, 2nd. CRC Press, [ISBN: 1420053574].
  • Indira, L., Nagaraju, K.K. & Zameer, A.. (2009), College Biochemistry-VI, Ebook, Himalaya Publishing House, [ISBN: 9789350431429].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • S. Datta et al. (2013), Enzyme Immobilisation: an overview on techniques and support materials, 3 Biotech, 3 (p 1-9).
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SHERB_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Herbal Science 5 Mandatory
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 5 Mandatory
CR_SBIBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology 5 Mandatory