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Institute of Learning and Teaching
A set of six biochemistry practical classes has been designed to go along with the modules you are studying in the first semester. These have been written and organised by the School of Life Sciences in collaboration with Prof. W.D. Fraser of the School of Medicine. The aims of these practicals are to illustrate some common laboratory techniques used in biochemistry and clinical chemistry and the scientific principles upon which these are based, and to put these in a context where their relevance to clinical practice can be appreciated. Some practice and appreciation of numeracy, accuracy and precision should also be gained as a result of these exercises. The material available on these Web pages includes copies of the class manuals for each individual practical and, where appropriate, Web-based exercises and links to relevant Web sites.
The class manuals can also be downloaded in Word or PDF format and viewed or printed out. To view a .pdf file, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. If you are accessing these pages from outside the University and you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can download it free from the Adobe Web site .All classes will take place in Laboratory F, Second Floor, Life Sciences Building, Crown St. Students attend one of two identical sessions: on the morning (10.00 a.m.) of either the first or second Friday of each module, starting September 30th or October 7th, 2011. You will sign up for one of these sessions before the course starts. **Please note that the first two meetings on September 30th and October 7th are just brief introductory sessions (no practical) when the manuals will be handed out and general instructions given for the following weeks**.
Because of the size of the laboratory, places are limited to 40 per session. Therefore, these practicals are not compulsory; they form part of the optional element of the course. However, if you sign up to attend these classes, then you should attend them all. A certificate of attendance will be given to each student who completes the course. This certificate may be required if you intend to take a Special Study Module that involves practical laboratory work (unless you have a first degree in an appropriate subject). Any student who misses two or more of the practicals without good cause (notified to the course organizer) will not be issued with this certificate.
IMPORTANT: It is essential that you read the instructions for a particular practical BEFORE you come to the class otherwise you will be working "in the dark" and will not get the full benefit. Although the practicals are not specifically assessed, you may find the material helpful for answering certain questions in your formative and summative assessments.
Practical 1: Introduction: Numeracy
Practical 2: Determination of sodium and potassium ion concentration
Practical 3: Digestive enzymes, specificity and pH
Practical 4: Rapid analytical techniques for diagnosing and managing diabetes
Practical 5: ELISA — an important clinical analytical technique
Practical 6: Electrophoresis of haemoglobin - use in diagnosis
Once you have finished the course we would greatly appreciate your comments. A questionnaire that you can submit via the Web is provided for your convenience. Thank you.
Link to the Phase 1 Virtual Resource Centre Home Page
If you have any problems with these practical pages, please contact Prof. A.G. McLennan, Institute of Integrative Biology and School of Life Sciences.