Applied Structural Biology, 6 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Protein Science, Master's programme
• Chemical Biology

Entry requirements

Note: Admission requirements for non-programme students usually also include admission requirements for the programme and threshold requirements for progression within the programme, or corresponding.

Prerequisites

Intended learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• understand current methodological approaches for conducting structural studies on proteins and biomolecules using crystallographic and NMR methodologies,
• apply computer software in general use within the field to generate graphical representations of proteins based on three-dimensional structural data, and use these representations to evaluate structural, biophysical, electrostatical and dynamical properties of proteins
• understand, evaluate, question and apply results from structural biology by critical reading of scientific literature and deposited structure data (in particular the PDB database)
• propose, plan and evaluate research- and development projects where methodology from structural biology is applied 

Course content

The lecture part gives in-depth insight in methodologies and approaches regarding structural studies of proteins and biomolecules, and builds on earlier knowledge obtained in the courses Biostructural Technologies and Protein Chemistry. The lecture course as well as application of modern molecular graphics is examined in an individual written examination (UPG1). The remaining part of the course is conducted as three consecutive projects. In the first project (UPG2), articles within key areas in structural biology are distributed to pairs of students by the course leader. The content is presented in an oral presentation using modern molecular graphics to generate illustrations, and in writing as an abstract to the presentation. The oral and written presentation is evaluated in groups. The second project (UPG3) goes deeper into the respective knowledge areas, and the students will here take increased responsibility for choosing the subject and focus in the presentation, which is performed orally in a seminar. The aim of the project is to form the basis for one or more research or development ideas. Selected ideas are then elaborated and presented individually as a Research Proposal in UPG4. 

Teaching and working methods

Teaching is organised in lectures, lessons, seminars, and laboratory tasks (mainly molecular computer graphics). A large part of the course is pursued in project groups of 2-3 students, with regular advisory meetings provided.
The course runs over the entire spring semester.

Examination

Grades

Department

Director of Studies or equivalent

Examiner

Education components

Course literature