91572 Proteomics

Description

Proteomics describes the study of the complete set of proteins (proteome) that is expressed at a given time in a cell, tissue, organ or organism. Modern proteomics involves the integration of a wide range of analytical tools and bioinformatics to identify qualitative and quantitative changes in proteins and specifically proteoforms; for example, in the detection of altered protein abundance associated with a disease. This subject covers leading and emerging technologies for sample preparation, protein fractionation, separation, mass spectrometry and data analysis for protein identification and characterisation.

This subject uses the field of proteomics to challenge student’s critical thinking skills and open their eyes to the need for an enquiring mindset that engages in unbiased thinking, learning how to use the information presented to them and their own knowledge to make intelligent decisions. Students explore critical thinking through examining facets of experimental design and data analysis through self-directed learning tasks and facilitated workshop activities. They are introduced to the best practice sample preparation technologies for different sample types, such as micro-organisms, plants, mammalian tissue and fluids. Written and oral assessment tasks require students to undertake independent research of relevant literature. The practical component allows students, through practice-related learning, to understand the logic and methodology underpinning sample preparation, complex mixture fractionation, protein separations and mass spectrometry. Students demonstrate their practice-related learning through the completion of a small laboratory-based project which requires a publication-style report encompassing data analysis skills.