Overview
Proteins and their functions underpin all life processes. Exploration of the diversity of protein structure and how the shape of proteins determines function. Consideration of the medical and industrial use of proteins.
Proteins perform almost all functions in living organisms, from repairing genetic damage to transmitting nerve impulses. Understanding protein function underlies many disciplines in biology and medicine. Being able to activate, inhibit or repurpose proteins is the heart of drug design, biotechnology and processing of natural products. BIOC 222 provides insight at the molecular level into how proteins recognise their ligands, how enzymes catalyse reactions, how receptors transmit signals and how membrane proteins control passage between the cytoplasm and environment.
About this paper
| Paper title | Proteins in Industry and Medicine |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biochemistry |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,318.20 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- BIOC 192
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
In addition to being a requirement for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biochemistry, BIOC 222 will enhance programmes in disciplines such as microbiology, physiology, neuroscience and pharmacology. Health Science First Year or equivalent courses provide a strong preparation for BIOC 222.
- Contact
- biochem200.tf@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
Course Coordinator: Professor Peter Mace and Senior Teaching Fellow Shar Snoeck.
Lecturers from the Departments of Biochemistry and Pharmacology & Toxicology.
- Paper Structure
The lecture course is divided into 6 modules:
- Protein structure, forces and folding.
- Protein purification and analysis.
- Protein interactions and allostery.
- Enzyme kinetics, inhibition and mechanisms.
- Membrane proteins.
- Biotechnology and drug discovery.
The lecture course is complemented by a laboratory course, which provides training in relevant biochemical methods such as protein purification by affinity column with analysis via enzymatic and protein assays, data analysis and experimental planning skills.
- Teaching Arrangements
There are 6 weeks of laboratory classes split into two 3-week modules. Students are streamed into one of 2 or 3 lab streams.
- Textbooks
- Voet, D., Voet, J. G., and Pratt, C. W. Fundamentals of Biochemistry, John Wiley & Sons.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Articulate a broad understanding of protein structure and enzyme catalysis
- Be familiar with approaches to measure and manipulate enzyme function
- Explain how receptors, channels and transporters transmit information, ions and metabolites across the cell membrane
- Understand how the biochemical functions of proteins underlie cellular activity, thereby connecting genotype to phenotype
- Synthesise relevant information about protein structure and function
- Communicate biochemical concepts to a specialist audience
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team to execute experiments using contemporary biochemical techniques
- Assessment details
30% Internal assessments
70% Final examination
Overview
Proteins underpin all life processes. Exploration of the diversity of protein structure and how protein shape determines function. Consideration of how protein biochemistry is relevant to medicine and biotechnology.
Understanding protein function is central to many disciplines in biology and being able to activate, inhibit or repurpose proteins lies at the heart of understanding disease, drug design and biotechnology. BIOC 222 builds this understanding at the molecular level, exploring how protein structure drive's function: how proteins recognise their ligands, catalyse reactions, transmit signals and how membrane proteins control passage between cellular compartments. Students will build both the conceptual foundations and practical skills to apply protein biochemistry in drug design, biotechnology and across the broader life sciences.
About this paper
| Paper title | Proteins in Biotechnology and Medicine |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biochemistry |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- BIOC 192
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
In addition to being a requirement for Biochemistry, Drugs and Human Health and Pharmacology majors, BIOC 222 will enhance programmes in many disciplines including chemistry, genetics, microbiology, physiology and neuroscience.
- Contact
- biochem200.tf@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Course Coordinators:
- Paper Structure
The lecture course is divided into six modules:
- Protein structure, forces and folding.
- Protein purification and analysis.
- Protein interactions and allostery.
- Enzyme kinetics, inhibition and mechanisms.
- Membrane proteins.
- Biotechnology and drug discovery.
The lecture course is complemented by a laboratory course, which provides training in relevant biochemical methods such as protein purification by affinity column with analysis via enzymatic and protein assays, data analysis and experimental planning skills.
- Teaching Arrangements
There are 6 weeks of laboratory classes split into two 3-week modules. Students are streamed into one of 2 or 3 lab streams.
- Textbooks
Heilman, D., Woski, S., Voet, D., Voet, J. G. & Pratt, C. W. (2024). Fundamentals of Biochemistry (6th ed.). Wiley.
Earlier editions of this textbook are also satisfactory if you have access to a copy.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Articulate a broad understanding of protein structure and enzyme catalysis.
- Be familiar with approaches to measure and manipulate enzyme function.
- Explain how receptors, channels and transporters transmit information, ions and metabolites across the cell membrane.
- Understand how the biochemical functions of proteins underlie cellular activity, thereby connecting genotype to phenotype.
- Synthesise relevant information about protein structure and function.
- Communicate biochemical concepts to a specialist audience.
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team to execute experiments using contemporary biochemical techniques.
- Assessment details
Internal assessments (30%)
Final examination (70%)