Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description To explain key techniques for protein purification and analysis. To illustrate DNA recombinant technology’s role in protein and peptide production and purification. To understand methods in protein engineering, such as directed evolution and rational design. To understand the strengths and weaknesses of these methods. To understand methods for selecting protein engineering targets. To review these strategies in specific examples of industrial enzymes and biotherapeutics to improve performance and processes. To review recent developments in biopharmacology and next generation biotherapeutic modalities. To discuss various technologies used in proteomic applications. To provide an overview of analytical tools, such as mass spectrometry, for the quality assessment of biotherapeutics. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
PROTEIN ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES Introduction to protein engineering and its importance to improving protein function for industrial processes and biotherapeutics. Overview of techniques used in protein engineering e.g. site directed mutagenesis, chemical modification, etc. SCREENING TECHNOLOGIES Introduction to general screening platforms, as well as specific techniques such as phage display, etc. CASE STUDIES OF PROTEIN ENGINEERING Examples in improvement via protein engineering of enzymes and biotherapeutics, e.g. Subtilisin, Erythropoietin (EPO), Insulin, and bispecific antibodies. PROTEIN PRODUCTION AND PURIFICATION The use of recombinant DNA technology for optimal protein production. Affinity purification of recombinant fusion proteins (e.g. His-tag, Thioredoxin fusions), recombinant proteins (e.g. IMAC) and monoclonal antibodies therapeutics (e.g. Protein A/G, cation or anion exchange chromatography, lectin AC, 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 AND 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.). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles:
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||