Module: Practical Biochemistry Laboratory

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Practical Biochemistry Laboratory
Module Code	BE261 (ITS) / BCH1000 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Philip Cummins
Module Teachers	Denise Harold, Jacinta Morrison, Jianghui Meng, Linda Holland, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

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: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None