University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: To be confirmed

Mass spectrometry is becoming an ubiquitous technique in most areas of science. Specifically in biological sciences, mass spectrometry is more accessible and used more than ever, from quantification of metabolites and discovery of new natural prodcuts, to the quantitative “omics” and imaging that provides unique signatures to cells and tissues. We will cover principles of mass spectrometry for small molecule quantification, its usage in metabolomics, lipidomics, peptidomics/proteomics and mass spectrometry imaging. We will work on problem solving workshops to analyse data, and will engage with researchers and scientists employing mass spectrometry as an integral part of their work. The students will design an experiment using mass spectrometry and present on how this will solve a problem in an area of their choosing.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass BL3324

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-4hrs/week for 9 weeks

Scheduled learning hours: 24

Guided independent study hours: 131

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework 100%

As defined by QAA
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr C Melo Czekster
Module teaching staff: Dr D Hughes and Dr S Young
Module coordinator email cmc27@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Design experiments for mass spectrometry analysis of small molecules
• Interpret data from mass spectrometry experiments
• Quantify metabolites by mass spectrometry
• Identify metabolites by mass spectrometry
• Write reports and impact statements to convey mass spectrometry results