Module Details

Module Code: BIOT9013
Title: Structural Biology
Long Title: Structural Biology
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: To provide a deep understanding of protein structure, function, evolution and engineering principles.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically assess the classification systems underlying the main protein databases.
LO2 Critically appraise methods to identify protein analogues of low sequence identity.
LO3 Apply comparative modelling to resolve protein structure and evaluate the accuracy of the resulting models.
LO4 Analyze the current computational approaches to predicting protein function.
LO5 Demonstrate an understanding of the processes shaping protein evolution and how this knowledge can be applied to protein engineering.
LO6 Demonstrate the ability to write a professional scientific report and communicate the content through an oral presentation
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).
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
Classification of Protein Structure
An insight into the classification systems underlying the main structural databases.
Domains, Folds and Motifs
An overview of the main conserved protein domains and their role in protein identification and classification.
Prediction of Protein Secondary Structure & Function
An overview of the principal methods for the prediction of protein structure and interpretation of the results in terms of protein function.
Comparative Modelling
3D protein structure prediction. Specifically, the use of fold recognition and target-template alignment to detect structural, functional and evolutionary relationships.
Protein Evolution
An introduction to evolutionary relationships which exist between proteins, at the level of sequence, structure and function.
Protein Engineering
An overview of protein engineering methods and resulting applications.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
A written report on a specific protein; focusing on structure, function, evolution and engineering.
The report will be based on the scientific literature and written in manuscript format.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
An oral presentation on the subject of your written report.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 Online Lectures Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab/Tutorial Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture material and recommended reading Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Online Lectures Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab/Tutorial Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture material and recommended reading Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Gary Walsh. (2014), Proteins - Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2nd. Wiley Blackwell, [ISBN: 0470669853].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SCOBI_9 Master of Science in Computational Biology 4 Mandatory
CR_SCPBI_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computational Biology 4 Mandatory