This course will examine modern methods and technologies that are used in biochemical analysis with emphasis on instrumentation, underlying principles, aims, strategies and current applications. The instrumental techniques covered include the separation and purification of molecules from biological samples, functional genomic assays, mass spectrometry, proteomics, chromatography (including gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography), electrophoresis, as well as an introduction to bioinformatics and enzyme kinetics. Advances in biochemical research have largely depended on parallel advances in the technology of measuring and observing devices. Knowledge of these devices, new instrumentation methods and the basic principles behind analytical and industrial procedures will assist in general understanding of the equipment selection and an appreciation of good quality assurance and research procedures.

The theory learned during the semester will be applied in practical classes where these techniques will be used for the analysis of biochemical samples in a laboratory setting. The combination of learning activities offered in this course is designed to equip graduates with a range of attributes that will give the student strong potential and ability to work equally well in analytical or research laboratories.