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Biochemistry III- Proteins from gene to function

The life and death of a protein...

Protein

Proteins are responsible for most activities in a cell. For example, they synthesise DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids, they facilitate the uptake of essential nutrients and ions, generate cellular energy and help the cell divide.

Proteins that fail to function, through genetic mutations, are the cause of a number of diseases. And protein-based drugs are often a solution to treat these diseases.

This course will provide a deeper understanding of proteins, by studying their life and ultimately their death.  We will marvel at the birth of a protein on the ribosome, admire the complexities of its journey through the cell and be amazed at the intricacies of its folding and assembly into a functional unit. We will also explore how it functions to carry out biochemical processes. We will investigate the way that a protein is degraded so that the cycle can be repeated. Along the way you will receive grounding in important methodologies to study proteins. The knowledge acquired will be used to understand the molecular basis for protein-based diseases. It will also be used to understand how protein-based drugs can be developed to treat these diseases.

 

  • Course structure

    The course will consist of twelve lectures and three laboratory practicals. There is also a literature assignment (group work), where students will work in small groups to investigate a contemporary, front-line area of biochemical research. Details about these activities are described below.

    Modules

    Theory 7.5 ECTS

    Laboratory Exercises and Literature Project 7.5 ECTS

    Teaching format

    Lectures
    Lectures will be given from 9-12 or 1-4 pm. The lectures are designed to provide students with an introduction to the area. It is expected that the students will supplement the lectures with reading (suggested by the lecturer). The lectures are compulsory.

    Lab practicals
    There are three practicals in the course. These practicals are linked to the lectures and are designed to give you ‘hands on’ experience in protein chemistry. The practicals are compulsory. A separate schedule for practicals will be handed out at a later stage (once class numbers are known).

    1.    Practical 1: Computer analysis of protein 3D structure
    2.    Practical 2: Insertion of proteins into membranes
    3.    Practical 3: Assembly of proteins into complexes

    Written laboratory reports should be submitted through Mondo (assignments / uppgifter) no later than 2 weeks after the lab has been completed. The lab instructors will provide feedback and corrections on these reports. The reports should be approved no later than 3 weeks after the course has finished.
    Group works
    The group works are designed to develop (1) the students’ self-learning skills, (2) their ability to work in groups, and (3) their ability to present scientific concepts. All of these skills are important in the workplace.

    Students will be divided into small groups and given an exciting and contemporary area of protein biogenesis to investigate. The group will then be expected to delve into the primary scientific literature and write a single report, which will be circulated to the class. They will also be expected to present a seminar to the class and answer questions. The scope of the projects is usually quite broad, but nevertheless the groups are encouraged to focus on molecular details and mechanisms.

     

     

    Assessment

    Students will be assessed on three activities.

    Group works

    Students will be given a mark for their written report (5% of the course) as well as a mark for the oral presentation (5% of the course). There will also be questions in the exam related to these projects (10% of the course)

    Laboratory practical’s

    Attendance at all labs is a requirement to pass the course and the reports must be completed within the designated time frame.

    Theory
    There will be a final exam consisting of short questions that are designed to assess the students’ knowledge of material covered in the lectures (80% of the course). There will also be three questions on the material covered in the group works; you will be asked to answer two of these questions.

     

    Examiner

    Daniel Daley
    ddaley@dbb.su.se
    +46 8 162910    

     

  • Schedule

    The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.

  • Course literature

    Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

    Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry, 5th, 6th or 7th ed., Nelson & Cox

    Articles and handouts given by the lecturers

     

  • Contact

    Course responsible

    Daniel Daley
    ddaley@dbb.su.se
    +46 8 162910    

     

    Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office
    Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office

    chemistry@su.se
    08-16 37 09
    Expen
    • Visiting address

    • Arrheniuslaboratoriet, room M345

    • Svante Arrhenius väg 16 A-D

    • Bachelor and Master education, application, admission, registration, examination, bookings Magneli hall

      Here you will get support form the Chemistry

      Student administrator

      International coordinator

      Student advisor

    • Office hours

    • Wednesdays 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00

    • Phone hours

    • Wednesdays 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00

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