Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LM Structures of Destruction: the Structural Biology of Pathogenicity
School	School of Bioscience
Department	School of Biosciences
Module Code	03 21596
Module Lead	Dr SA White
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites	LC Fundamentals of Biochemistry - (03 28776)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	7146 MSci Biochemistry FT 7147 MSci Human Biology FT 7148 MSci Biology and Computing (Bioinformatics) FT 7149 MSci Biological Sciences FT The module is optional for the above programmes
Contact Hours	Lecture-22 hours Practical Classes and workshops-12 hours Guided independent study-166 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	Viruses and bacteria have developed a great variety of mechanisms to attack their hosts and to bring about disease. However, even ¿innocent¿ proteins such as the prion, which has come to particular prominence through the BSE crisis, can transform itself into a pathogen through its specific structural properties. This module highlights how structural and functional features of proteins contribute to the pathogenic nature of their parent organism. Detailed knowledge of the structure and function of `pathogenic¿ macromolecules provides targets for therapeutic intervention. Lectures and student-centred activities will explore this subject under these headlines: Viruses: virus-encoded capsid and cytoslic proteins, viral entry into host cells Toxins Mechanisms of bacterial host-cell attachment and invasion Action of antibiotics Protein (mis-)folding in amyloid structures and prion-related diseases
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: explore the structures of pathogenic macromolecules and protein assemblies using molecular graphics software; analyse and discuss their properties by tackling problem-based questions research and jointly prepare a group poster demonstrating the relationship between structure and function of a case-study ‘pathogenic macromolecule’ and outline potential future experiments; present the poster to other students on a one-to-one basis to peers independently outline the structures of selected viruses, viral and bacterial proteins, explaining how these structures relate to their pathogenic function, and discuss how we may use structural biology to aid attempts to develop novel therapies or combat emerging threats such as drug resistance independently discuss the problem of protein misfolding, describing the role of misfolded proteins in disease processes demonstrate an awareness of the research literature underpinning advances in areas relevant to the module demonstrate creativity, initiative and independence in learning
Assessment	21596-05 : Examination : Exam (Centrally timetabled) - Computer based (50%) 21596-06 : Continous Assessment : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Exam (50%) Coursework (50%) Reassessment: Resubmission of failed assessment(s)
Other
Reading List