Protein structure determination, validation, and analysis
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 5
- Teaching semesters
- Spring
- Course code
- BMED326
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English.
- Resources
- Schedule
- Reading list
Course description
Objectives and Content
Molecular structural biology is a key field in understanding the structure and function of biological macromolecules and the molecular basis of disease. The course will focus on common techniques in the field of structural biology, including X-ray crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering, and cryo-EM, with a focus on structure determination and validation. Case studies within integrative structural biology will be discussed. Sample preparation and the use of local and international infrastructures for structural biology will be presented. Hands-on supervised practicals include remote synchrotron data collection and processing, solving a protein structure using X-ray crystallography, analysis of small angle scattering data, as well as structure analysis and validation. Public databases for macromolecular structure and experimental data will be introduced and used. Each student will have a practical case study, which will be presented to the class and discussed.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:
Upon completing the course, the participants
- are familiar with main methods in molecular structural biology
- know the general workflow of protein structure determination
- understand sample preparation and requirements for structural biology
- are familiar with local and international infrastructures that can be used for structural biology experiments
Skills:
Upon completing the course, the participants can
- participate in sample preparation and structure determination
- use standard structural biology software
- carry out validation of protein structures
- visualise and analyse protein structures and electron density maps
General qualifications:
Upon completing the course, the participants can
- critically evaluate scientific results in the field of structural biology
- analyse and present structural biology data and discuss their reliability
- plan projects that make use of structural biology methods
- participate in structural biology projects
ECTS Credits
5 ECTS
Level of Study
Master
Semester of Instruction
Spring.
Required Previous Knowledge
Students accepted to the MSc program in Biomedicine at the University of Bergen have full access to the course.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, pharmacy, or equivalent at the BSc level. General understanding of protein structure and biochemistry.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
No overlapping courses.
Access to the Course
Master students at the University of Bergen.
The minimum amount of students on the course is 5. The biomedicine students have priority.
Teaching and learning methods
- lectures 5 x 2 h
- practical tutorials and hands-on exercises on sample preparation, data collection, data processing, and structure determination (5 x 2 h)
- provided reading and online materials
- project and presentation (10 h)
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
- Participation in lectures
- Participation in tutorials and exercises
- Practical project and its presentation to the class
Forms of Assessment
Assessment of the practical project and associated presentation.
Grading Scale
Pass / Fail
Assessment Semester
Spring.
Reading List
The reading list will be ready by 01.07 for the autumn semester and 01.12 for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
Written evaluation using electronic/digital evaluation tool.
Programme Committee
Programme Committee for Master Program in Biomedical Sciences
Course Coordinator
Course Administrator
The Department of Biomedicine