Module: Practical Biochemistry Laboratory

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Practical Biochemistry Laboratory
Module Code	BE261
School	School of Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Phil Cummins Semester 2: Phil Cummins Autumn: Phil Cummins
Module Teachers	Paul Cahill Paula Meleady Phil Cummins Greg Foley Jacinta Morrison Jianghui Meng Denise Harold Linda Holland
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Coursework Only

Description

To equip students with hands-on expertise in biochemical assay techniques, to critically evaluate experimental results, and to generate succinct laboratory reports. The module incorporates a combination of in-person and online delivery approaches.

Learning Outcomes

1. Comprehend the underlying principles for assaying proteins, sugars and lipids
2. Construct standard curves for quantitative analytical purposes
3. Quantitatively analyse enzyme activity and kinetic parameters (e.g. Vmax, Km)
4. Apply protein purification principles (e.g. salt precipitation, ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography's) to the extraction of an enzyme from a crude sample
5. Quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of a protein purification process
6. Engage with safe laboratory practices in terms of conduct, attire, risk minimization, disposal etc.
7. Evaluate analytical results and generate concise scientific reports

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Tutorial	1	Laboratory safety
Laboratory	24	In-person laboratory experiments (x5), Online experiments (x4)
Independent Study	73	Pre-laboratory preparation and online quiz, analysis of data, consultation of literature, study
Directed learning	27	Laboratory report preparation
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Content 1 (in-lab)
Measurement of glucose concentration: GOD-POD method

Content 2 (in-lab)
Measurement of alkaline phosphatase activity: pH optimum

Content 3 (in-lab)
Measurement of protein concentration: UV method

Content 4 (online)
Measurement of protein concentration in solution: Bradford method

Content 5 (in-lab)
Lipid analysis: Acid value determination of a lipid

Content 6 (online)
Protein purification - alkaline phosphatase: Day 1 - Solvent precipitation, Day 2 - Anion exchange chromatography, Day 3 - Size exclusion chromatography

Learning activities (transversal skills, novel pedagogies, critical thinking and problem solving)
In-lab: Quantitative problem solving and numerical skills, report writing skills and critical evaluation of results, teamwork. Online: Pre-lab quizzes and gamification strategies (e.g. biochemistry crosswords) to promote laboratory preparedness, virtual experiments employing simulated data-sets.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Loop Quiz	End of module online MCQ	25%	n/a
Report(s)	Laboratory reports	55%	n/a
Loop Quiz	Pre-laboratory online quiz	20%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

AS	BSc in Analytical Science
BP	BSc in Bioprocessing
BT	BSc in Biotechnology
GCB	BSc in Genetics & Cell Biology

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