University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJ3P-10-1 Title: ANALYSIS OF BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES Version: 5

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 10 ECTS credit rating: 5

Module type: STANDARD

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2006 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: NONE

Co-requisites: NONE

Excluded combinations: NONE

Learning outcomes:

Successful study of this module will enable the student to:

    • describe the functions of the components of basic analytical instruments

      • recognise and decribe a range of routine analytical techniques available for the analysis of biological molecules, chosen to reflect current practice e.g. from molecular spectroscopy; atomic emission and absorption spectroscopy; instrumental chromatography; electophoresis; electrochemical techniques

      • operate analytical instruments at a basic level, with the help of written instructions where necessary.

      • relate the choice of method to the physical and chemical properties of the sample

      • prepare and analyse simple biological samples using the above techniques appropriately

      • record experimental data in an appropriate manner and use it in the calibration of instruments.

      • use experimental data for the calculation of concentrations and other parameters of simple biological test samples

      • recognise the degree of experiemental uncertainty in experimental measures

Syllabus Content:

General aspects of analysis: characteristics of analysis, qualitative, quantitative, bulk, trace, destructive, non-destructive; analytical accuracy and precision; standards, calibration of instruments; sensitivity, detection limits, quantitation limits; choice of methods

Spectroscopy: The electromagnetic spectrum, interaction of matter and electromagnetic energy, production of emission and absorption spectra, qualitative and quantitative uses of spectra; instrumentation and applications of UV-vis absorption, molecular fluorescence; instrumentation and applications of atomic spectroscopy

Chromatography: Origin of chromatographic separations; qualitative and quantitative parameters; manual procedures; instrumental methods, gas- and high-performance liquid-chromatography; applications for biological samples

Electrophoresis: Factors affecting electrophoretic separations; physical design of apparatus, horizontal and vertical arrangements; general interpretation of results; adaptations for specific purposes, SDS-PAGE, IEF, NA analysis

Electrochemical methods of analysis: pH and other potentiometric measurements; oxygen electrode and applications; electrochemical detectors in HPLC

Teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, which will include short audio/visual presentations

Tutorials, which will require preparation and follow-up work to be done by the student

Practicals and, where possible, simulation software will be available to the student to increase the effectiveness of the laboratory experience.

Self-paced study

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Crow J., Bradshaw T. & Monk P., 2006, Chemistry for the Biosciences, OUP

Higson S.P.J., 2003, Analytical Chemistry, OUP

Potter G.W.H., 1994, Analysis of Biological Molecules, Chapman & Hall

Reed, R et al., 1998, Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences, Addison Wesley Longman

Skoog D.A., Holler F.J & Nieman T.A., Principles of Instrumental Analysis, 1998, Harcourt Brace

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 40% B: 60%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

EX2

Examination (2 Hours)

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

     

PR1

Assessment of Laboratory Worksheets

1

     
 

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes) NO

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX2

Eaxmination ( 2 hours)

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

DI1

Exercise in Typical Analytical Calculation and Result Interpretation

1

     
     
 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes. YES

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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