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UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
MODULE DESCRIPTOR: NEW MODULES
Version
Name of new module
Applications of Structural Biology
Rationale for introduction of new module
Protein structure is central to the modern understanding of biology and to biotechnological
applications including the design of medicines and vaccines, agrichemicals and enzymes for industrial
processes. This module will provide an in-depth introduction to protein structure aspects of virology,
membrane ion transport, and structure-based drug design. No similar module is offered at this level
anywhere in South Africa.
Programme (s) in which new module will be offered
Programme
Faculty (if also prescribed for programmes not in your
faculty, please indicate date of agreement)
PG Diploma in
Structural Biology
UWC Faculty of Natural Sciences
UCT Science Faculty
Home Department
Clinical Laboratory Sciences, UCT
Module description (Header)
Applications of Structural Biology
.
Generic module name
Alpha-numeric code
Module numeric code (if
available)
Structural Biology
STB 705
Core/ Elective
Core
Credit Value
Duration
Module Type
Level
Main Outcomes
Main Content
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations
Breakdown of Learning Time
(example)
Contact with lecturer / tutor:
Assignments & tasks:
Tests & examinations:
Practicals:
Self study
Project
Total Learning Time
Methods of Student
Assessment
15 credits
6 weeks
P
8
The ability to
*interpret the structure-function relationships of ion
transport through membranes and the mechanism and
ligand binding of the eye's photo receptor rhodopsin.
* understand the rational basis for the design of
cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory drugs.
* describe viral capsid structures
* understand the structural basis of the immune
response
* design vaccines and anti-viral agents

the hydrophobic effect and how it leads to
deformable membranes in which proteins can
function.
 facilitated transport across membranes and the
structure of ion channels
 active transport against a concentration
gradient using rhodopsin and Ca-ATPase as
examples
 the nature of ATP sites in proteins
 the structure and funstion of angiotensin
converting enzyme
 approaches to rational drug design
 virus capsid structures
 viral immunology
 vaccine design and antiviral agents
 structure-based drug design and high
throughput screening.
Computational and Mathematical Primer, Cell Biology,
Principles of Protein Structure.
Protein Crystallography, Protein NMR
None
Hours
60
40
5
0
35
10
150
Students will be assessed on the basis three
oral presentations and their write up of an
assignment. Moderation will be internal in
consultation with members of the teaching
team.