Handbook home
Protein Structure and Function (BCMB30001)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Subject Coordinator
Assoc Prof Paul Gooley
Administrative Coordinator
Mrs Irene Koumanelis
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will describe the wide range of structures, functions and interactions of proteins and their importance in biological processes, biomedicine and biotechnology. Emphasis will be on the three-dimensional structure of proteins and their interactions with peptides, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and other physiologically important molecules. We will describe experimental and computational techniques and how they help in determining and predicting protein structure and function, aid the design of new proteins and are used to develop new drugs. The subject matter addresses the general properties of protein structure; the major classes and topologies of proteins; evolution of sequence, structure and function; protein synthesis, folding, misfolding, targeting and trafficking; protein engineering for biotechnology; bioinformatics analysis of protein sequence and structure; binding of small molecules to proteins and drug design; protein-protein interactions; effects of mutations on tertiary structure, protein stability and biological functions; enzyme reaction kinetics and mechanisms. This subject is required for completion of a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Intended learning outcomes
By the end of the subject the student should develop a critical appreciation of the current literature on protein structure and function. The student should understand and appreciate:
- the impact of protein research on biomedicine and biotechnology.
- the structural properties of proteins and the techniques used to study them.
- the computational analysis of protein sequence and structure using bioinformatic and molecular graphic programs.
- how protein engineering is used for investigating structure-function relationships.
- how proteins interact with other molecules.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- the ability to interpret scientific literature and interpret data from electronic databases.
- the capacity to integrate knowledge across disciplines.
- the ability to comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate an answer.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
BSc students
Before 2009:
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A (521-211)
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part B (521-212)
2009 and subsequently:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20002 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Note that the pre-2009 subject “Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A” and the 2009 subject “Biochemistry & Molecular Biology” are not identical despite having the same subject code. Only the subject “BCMB20002 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology” offered in 2009 and subsequently acts as a stand-alone prerequisite.
BBiomedicine students
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Other combinations that provide similar background will be considered by the coordinator.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject if previously obtained credit for pre-2009 subject (521-301) Protein Structure, Design and Engineering.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- 3 hour written exam held in examination period (70%)
- One 30-min written exam held mid-semester (7.5%)
- Either a second 30-min written exam held during semester or two data-analysis exercises held during semester (7.5%)
- Assignment of a maximum of 1000 words and including prepared figures due mid-semester (10%)
- A computer-based tutorial using molecular graphics due early in the semester (5%)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Paul Gooley Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours three x 1 hour lecture and one x 1 hour tutorial per two weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Subject Coordinator
Assoc Prof Paul Gooley
Administrative Coordinator
Mrs Irene Koumanelis
Time commitment details
40 contact hours with an estimated total time commitment of 170 hours (including non-contact time). Note: Students are required to attend or complete one (1 hour) computer-based tutorial for assessment. Remaining tutorials are not compulsory.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Mike Williamson “How proteins work?” 2012 Garland Science ISBN 978-0-8153-4446-9
- Subject notes
Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.
Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Genetics Major Genetics Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology Informal specialisation Microbiology Informal specialisation Microbiology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Informal specialisation Genetics Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Immunology Major Immunology Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Genetics Major Genetics - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022