BIOL8005 Protein to Proteome GE

In this topic students will learn about the functions of cellular proteins and contemporary approaches that are used for the study and characterisation of proteins. Students will review the process of protein translation, and then examine the post-translational events that affect the structure, function and cellular location of proteins. Traditional techniques for the study of proteins such as protein purification, electrophoresis, Western-blotting and enzyme kinetics will be contrasted with more contemporary techniques such as mass spectrometry techniques for identification of entire proteomes and computer based approaches for evaluating protein structure and function. Students will also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical laboratory exercises.

This topic aims to:

• Give students an understanding of the processes that regulate and control the function of cellular proteins with a particular emphasis on how protein structure relates to function
• Familiarise students with both experimental and bioinformatic techniques that are used to identify and characterise both individual proteins and entire proteomes
• Further develop students' scientific skills for work in a molecular biology laboratory
• Further develop students' generic skills in the areas of accurate record keeping (attention to detail), creativity and problem-solving, independence and teamwork, good written and oral communication, and critical thinking

1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about biochemistry, protein biology, cell biology and proteomics
2. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the principles involved in trafficking proteins to different cellular locations
3. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the many different types of post-translational modifications and their functional implications
4. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about how and why proteins form complex signal transduction pathways
5. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about how protein structures are experimentally determined and analysed
6. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the how to design a protein purification protocol
7. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about how to calculate kinetic parameters such as Km, Ki and turnover number
8. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the tools used for characterisation of a protein such as poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis, western blotting, estimation of protein concentration and enzyme activity assays
9. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the fundamentals of proteome analysis of tissues or cells, and how this technique can play a role in the investigation of the molecular basis of disease
10. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the use of bioinformatic tools used in the analysis and prediction of protein sequences structures and interactions
11. Work in a biochemistry laboratory to professional standards
12. Maintain a laboratory notebook
13. Prepare solutions and use of laboratory equipment
14. Design and execute of a protein purification protocol
15. Develop a laboratory protocol from an article published in a scientific journal
16. Present data in tables and graphs in the format used in articles published in scientific journals
17. Display competency in the generic professional skills essential for the protein-based biosciences
18. Present data in tables and graphs
19. Use Microsoft Office Excel to perform calculations and prepare graphs
20. Work independently and also in a team
21. Solve problems by applying existing knowledge to new situations
22. Communicate in writing
23. Read and interpret scientific literature