Advanced Methods in Biochemistry

About this programme

‘Advanced Methods in Biochemistry’ will introduce you to the fundamental principles behind several basic and more advanced techniques commonly used in biochemical research. During the course, the strengths and weaknesses of each technique will be covered to explain which techniques are suitable for particular applications. Upon establishing this foundation, you will be taught how to combine different methods to overcome problems associated with the individual techniques. The theoretical aspect of the course will be supplemented with a lab practical where you will apply a number of these techniques yourself. In the end, you should be able to design strategies to address complex biological questions using the techniques you have been exposed to from a theoretical and practical perspective. Materials on how to make buffers and solutions (including sterilization), pH, the metric system, statistics and making lab notes are provided at the beginning of the course. - Cell homogenization and fractionation The organization and chemical composition of pro- and eukaryotic cells will be discussed in relationship to different homogenization methods, which are used to enrich for particular fractions from these cells. - History of molecular biology Students will be taught the history behind the main organisms used for molecular biology and how these are handled, genotyped, cultured and stored. - Centrifugation The theoretical basis for multiple centrifugation techniques will be explained as well as their applications. These include: differential centrifugation, density gradient centr