Structure and Function of Macromolecules
Syllabus, Master's level, 1BG349
- Code
- 1BG349
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Applied Biotechnology A1N, Biology A1N
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 13 March 2008
- Responsible department
- Biology Education Centre
Entry requirements
120 credits including alternative 1) 40 credit points/60 credits biology and 20 credit points/30 credits chemistry or 20 credit points/30 credits earth sciences; alternative 2) 60 credit points/90 credits biology.
Learning outcomes
The overall goal of this course is to give students advanced knowledge of the relationship between the structure and function of biomolecules and to handle different tools used in structural bioinformatics. The student will also get good knowledge of current research and development of drugs directed against biological macromolecules. After the course, the student should
- know the basis of biological macromolecules constitution and traits
- be able to explain the basis of biological catalysis
- explain control mechanisms of important biological processes: cell signalling, transcription, translation, and protein secretion
- be able to explain the constitution of molecular complexes like ribosomes and viruses and aggregates like filaments and tubules
- know and be able to use databases with information of structure and function of macromolecules
- know and be able to use and analyse results from methods use to predict secondary- and tertiary structure of macromolecules
- know how drugs aimed against biological macromolecules are developed using rational drug design After the module "Current trends in biology" the student should have insights in
- research front, history and role in society of biology
- genus perspectives, research ethics and philosophy of science
Content
Lectures and tutorials dealing with the following topics:
Methods for the determination of macromolecules structure and interaction.
Basic macromolecular structure: DNA, RNA, protein, lipids and carbohydrates. The folding process and structural background to the dynamics of macromolecules.
Binding specificity, catalysis and cooperativity in enzymes and receptors.
Macromolecular function in transcription, translation, signalling and other fields of cell biology. Biological structure databases.
Structure analysis and classification of proteins in structural families.
Relation between sequence, structure and function. Computer modelling of secondary- and tertiary structure of proteins and nucleic acid based on sequence data. Enzyme/receptor-based drugs-rational drug design.
Instruction
Lectures, computer exercises, seminars. The module Current trends in biology is a seminar series during the course.
Assessment
A passing grade requires that the final written exam is passed (10 credits), completed obligatory computer exercises and seminars (3 credits). For the module Current trends in biology presence and active participation in seminars are required (2 credits).
Reading list
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2023, version 2
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2023, version 1
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2022
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2020
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2019
- Reading list valid from Spring 2016
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2015
- Reading list valid from Spring 2013
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2012
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2011
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2010
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2008