BTEC8007 Protein Biotechnology

Protein Biotechnology is a selective topic supporting the postgraduate students who do not have sufficient prerequisite knowledge for the Topic BIOL8005 Protein to Proteome GE. Therefore this topic will teach the students the foundation knowledge and techniques in contemporary protein biochemistry and biotechnology to bridge the gap for students to successfully undertake BIOL8005. In this Topic, the students will learn about protein structure, protein folding, electrophoresis, western-blotting, molecular cloning and manipulation of recombinant DNA, protein expression in E. coli, protein purification, enzymes and enzymatic catalysis, protein-protein interactions, DNA binding, and basic biophysical characterisation of protein structures. This topic will focus on building the knowledge bases of students in order to further learn the functions of cellular proteins and contemporary approaches of protein characterisation.

This topic aims to:

• Prepare the students with foundational knowledge and techniques on protein biochemistry and biotechnology required for the Topic BTEC9005
• Develop students' understanding of basic protein biochemistry including protein structure, protein folding, protein-protein interactions and DNA binding
• Familiarize the students with basic protein characterization techniques, including electrophoresis, western-blotting, enzymes and enzymatic catalysis
• Develop students' basic knowledge of protein molecular biology including molecular cloning and manipulation of recombinant DNA, protein expression in E. coli, and protein purification
• Develop students' generic skills in problem-solving, self-directed learning, independence and teamwork, good written and oral communication, and critical thinking

1. Demonstrate understanding of the foundational knowledge and techniques on protein biochemistry and biotechnology
2. Demonstrate understanding of basic protein biochemistry including protein structure, protein folding, protein-protein interactions and DNA binding
3. Demonstrate understanding of basic protein characterization techniques, including electrophoresis, western-blotting, enzymes and enzymatic catalysis
4. Gain basic knowledge of protein molecular biology including molecular cloning and manipulation of recombinant DNA, protein expression in E. coli, and protein purification
5. Display effective skills in self-directed learning, peer-learning, critical literature analysis, communication, independence and team work skills, and problem-solving