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MICR40070

Academic Year 2025/2026

Enzyme Technology and Protein Engineering (MICR40070)

Subject:
Microbiology
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Yan Yan
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The aim of the course is to introduce the scientific background and the state-of-the-art strategies and methods of enzyme/protein engineering. In particular, engineering enzymes for the synthesis of value added compounds has become central to modern biotechnology. The focus of this module will be placed on evolutive methods (directed molecular evolution) and rational protein design. The topic will be addressed by lectures providing the required molecular biology, computational and chemistry background, detailed introduction into various methodologies and case studies.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, students shall be able to:
1. Understand the theory of directed evolution and rational design for enzyme engineering;
2. Evaluate a number of in vitro DNA mutation technologies;
3. Have a good understanding of different high-throughput selection and screening technologies.
4. Have a good understanding of various bioinformatics tools and AI tools that have been used for enzyme discovery and protein designs.

Indicative Module Content:

The following key topics will be discussed:
1. Discovery new enzymes and predict enzyme functions
2. Strategies for protein engineering
3. High throughput screening and selection technologies
4. Bioinformatic tools for protein engineering

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Specified Learning Activities

32

Autonomous Student Learning

70

Total

114


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures;
case-based learning;
active/task-based learning;

Generative AI: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your engagement with AI stops when you begin to create your submission. Your submissions should therefore be authored entirely by yourself and should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. You should keep a comprehensive record of all outputs generated by AI, and may be required to document these as part of the activities, or present them on demand. An appropriate AI tool may be used to correct grammatical errors and improve the language of text you alone have authored. You must not allow the AI tool to alter the sense of any text, offer a critique of or modify any arguments.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Enzyme Technology&Protein Eng (INDM40070)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): 2 hour, close book exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
100
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Tanja Narancic Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23 Tues 10:00 - 10:50