Module: Practical Biochemistry Laboratory

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Practical Biochemistry Laboratory
Module Code	BCH1000 (ITS: BE261)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To equip students with hands-on expertise in biochemical assays for clinically significant biomolecules (glucose, protein, enzymes) and to use these techniques in an integrated manner during more advanced protein purification experiments. To equip students to critically evaluate experimental results and to generate succinct laboratory reports.

Learning Outcomes

1. Comprehend the underlying principles for assaying proteins and glucose
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 and gel filtration chromatography) 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	18	In-person laboratory experiments (x6)
Independent Study	70	Pre-laboratory preparation and online quiz, analysis of data, consultation of literature, study
Directed learning	36	Laboratory report preparation
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10132	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Philip Cummins	Module Teacher	Denise Harold, Jacinta Morrison, Jianghui Meng, Linda Holland, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	End of module online MCQ	20%	n/a
Report(s)	Laboratory reports	67%	n/a
Loop Quiz	Pre-laboratory online quiz	13%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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 protein concentration: UV/Biuret methods

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

Content 4 (in-lab)
Measurement of alkaline phosphatase activity: pH optimum and km determination

Content 5 (in-lab)
Protein purification - alkaline phosphatase: Day 1 - Solvent precipitation, Day 2 - Gel filtration 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 to promote laboratory preparedness.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None