THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2014/2015
- ARCHIVE as at 1 September 2014

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Biological Sciences : Postgraduate

Postgraduate Course: Biophysical Chemistry for MSc Drug Discovery & Translational Biology (PGBI11041)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Biological Sciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) Credits10
Home subject areaPostgraduate Other subject areaNone
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionThis course deals with the major principles of physics and chemistry that underlie the structures, dynamics and interactions of biological macromolecules. The lectures will detail the structures of biomacromolecules and will provide an overview of many modern biophysical techniques; the workshops will allow students to probe macromolecular structures and to explore how the techniques are applied to biological systems and drug discovery. Techniques covered will include NMR spectroscopy, circular dichroism, light scattering, fluorescence, mass spectrometry and surface plasmon resonance.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesAs above
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2014/15 Block 1 (Sem 1), Available to all students (SV1) Learn enabled:  Yes Quota:  None
Web Timetable Web Timetable
Course Start Date 16/09/2014
Breakdown of Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Lecture Hours 30, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 68 )
Additional Notes
Breakdown of Assessment Methods (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
No Exam Information
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, students should:
¿ have a good understanding of macromolecular structure, conformational changes, dynamics and interactions
¿ be able to use molecular graphics tools to analyse molecular structures
¿ be familiar with the basic theory, experimental aspects and data analysis of several modern biophysical techniques
¿ be able to explain how specific biophysical techniques can be applied to investigate molecular structure, size, conformation and stability
¿ be able to explain how specific biophysical techniques can be applied to molecular interactions, particularly in the drug discovery process
¿ have an appreciation of how the principles of physics and chemistry are used together with these techniques to gain an understanding of the properties and behaviour of biological molecules
¿ be able to make a critical interpretation of the relevant literature
¿ be able to write a coherent and informative essay.

Assessment Information
One essay of 2,000 words on a topic to be agreed between the lecturing staff and the Course Organiser.
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Course Outline:
Weeks 1 - 3 Chemistry & Structure of Biomacromolecules,
- including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates
Weeks 4 - 10 Biophysical Characterisation
- techniques and applications
Week 11 Feedback for essay draft (Friday)
Week 12 Essay Deadline
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Recommended Reading (reading an occasional chapter, not for purchase)
Biophysical Chemistry (2nd edition) by A. Cooper, Royal Society of Chemistry 2011
Biophysical Chemistry, volumes 1-3 by C.R. Cantor and P.R. Schimmel, Freeman, 1980
Biophysical Techniques by I.D. Campbell, Oxford University Press, 2012
Physical Chemistry: Principles and Applications in Biological Sciences by I. Tinoco, K. Sauer, J.C. Wang and J.D. Puglisi, Prentice Hall, 2002
Principles of Physical Biochemistry by K.E. van Holde, W.C. Johnson and P.S. Ho, Prentice Hall, 1998.
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsBiophysChem
Contacts
Course organiserDr Janice Bramham
Tel: (0131 6)50 4704
Email: janice.bramham@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Vicky Mactaggart
Tel: (0131 6)51 7052
Email: Vicky.Mactaggart@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
© Copyright 2014 The University of Edinburgh - 29 August 2014 4:26 am