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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Proteins, Proteomics & Biopharma
Module Code BE402
School School of Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Paula Meleady
Semester 2: Paula Meleady
Autumn: Paula Meleady
Module TeachersPaul Cahill
Paula Meleady
Finbar O'Sullivan
Finbarr O'Sullivan
Denise Harold
Linda Holland
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
None
Category 1 - a resit is available for all assessment elements
Description

To describe some important techniques used for the purification and analysis of proteins. To illustrate the relevance of DNA recombinant technology to the production and purification of proteins and peptides. To review the use of enzymes in key industrial processes, noting their strengths and limitations. To show how protein engineering has led to improved biotherapeutic products and processes. To provide an overview of biosensor development. To review recent developments in biopharmacology and next generation biotherapeutic modalities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the applications of bulk enzymes in key industrial processes (e.g. detergents, starch processing).
2. Describe examples of the improvement of key proteins by protein engineering strategies.
3. Outline the scope and potential of biosensor technologies.
4. Outline the applications of DNA recombinant technology to the production and purification of proteins and monoclonal antibodies.
5. Provide an overview of proteomics and protein mass spectrometry analysis.
6. To describe developments in biopharmacology and next generation biotherapeutic modalities.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24No Description
Assignment Completion5Short Essay on assigned topic
Assignment Completion5Critical essay on assigned topic
Independent Study91No Description
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

INDUSTRIAL ENZYMES AND THEIR USES
Sources and production of industrial enzymes; enzymes in detergents; starch processing and high-fructose syrup; use of enzymes for antibiotic semisynthesis and related purposes; enzyme uses in cellulose treatment and other situations.

PROTEIN ENGINEERING
Case histories –. E.g. Erythropoietin (EPO); Insulin production and improvement via protein engineering.

BIOSENSORS
Definition & applications; design problems; developments in biosensors incl. examples.

PROTEIN PRODUCTION & PURIFICATION
The use of recombinant DNA technology for optimal protein production. Affinity purification of recombinant fusion proteins (His-tag & Thioredoxin fusions) and monoclonal antibodies therapeutics (e.g. Protein A/G, cation or anion exchange chromatography, etc.)

PROTEOMICS
An overview of proteomic analysis, practical methodologies and applications, e.g. 2D-PAGE and LC-MS for protein identification and characterisation (e.g. post translational modifications)

BIOPHARMA & RECOMBINANT PROTEINS
Introduction to Biopharmacology and the importance of protein glycosylation. Overview of some important biotherapeutics for disease treatment. Overview of next generation biotherapeutic modalities (e.g. bi-specific antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, nanobodies, etc.).

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment40% Examination Weight60%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayShort essay on an assigned theme20%Once per semester
AssignmentCritical essay based on a published paper20%Once per semester
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 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Golemis, E.A. & Adams, P.: 2014, Protein-Protein Interactions: A Molecular Cloning Manual (2nd Edition), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, c/o Oxford University Press,
  • Bonner , P.: 2006, Protein Purification, Taylor & Francis,
  • GK Walsh: 2002, Protein Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Wiley, 978471899075
  • C Hardin et al.: 2001, Cloning, Gene Expression and Protein Purification, Oxford Univ Press,
  • Walsh, G (Ed): 2009, Post-translational modification of protein biopharmaceuticals, Wiley-Blackwell,
  • Walsh, G: 2007, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: Concepts and Applications, J Wiley & Sons UK,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
AFUAge Friendly University Programme
BTBSc in Biotechnology
GCBBSc in Genetics & Cell Biology
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
Date of Last Revision17-SEP-08
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