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, 23 October 2015
- Responsible department
- Biology Education Centre
Entry requirements
150 credits including (1) 60 credits in biology and 30 credits in chemistry, or (2) 90 credits in chemistry and biology, including at least 60 credits in chemistry.
Learning outcomes
The overall goal of this course is to give students advanced knowledge of the relationship between the structure and function of biomolecules. After completing the course, the student should be able to
- account for the basis of biological macromolecules constitution and traits
- explain structural mechanisms for how important biological processes take place and are controlled, for example catalysis, cell signalling, transcription and translation
- explain the structure of molecular complexes like ribosomes and proteasomes and aggregates like filaments and tubules
- account for the principles of the most important methods for structural analysis: X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and electron microscopy and analyse the quality of models produced by these methods
- analyse structural details in macromolecules using a molecular graphics program
- use databases with information of structure and function of macromolecules
- use analyse, and critically evaluate results from methods to predict secondary - and tertiary structure of macromolecules
- explain basic concepts and critically assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of fundamental approaches in computational biology
Content
Basic structural biology and structural bioinformatics:
Methods for experimental structure determination of macromolecules and complexes. Basic macromolecular structure: proteins, DNA, and RNA Biological sequence and structure databases. Relation between sequence, structure and function. Prediction of secondary- and tertiary structure of proteins and nucleic acids based on sequence data. Structure analysis and classification of proteins in structural families.
Structural biology of the cell:
Macromolecular structure and function in transcription, translation, folding and other fields of cell biology. The folding process and structural background to the dynamics of macromolecules.
Enzyme structure and function:
Binding specificity, catalysis and cooperativity in enzymes and receptors.
Enzyme/receptor-based drugs-rational drug design. Introduction to computational modelling of ligand binding, protein folding and enzyme catalysis.
Instruction
Instruction is provided in the form of lectures, computer exercises, laboratory sessions, seminars and projects. Participation in computer exercises, laboratory sessions, seminars and project are compulsory.
Assessment
Modules: Theory 7 credits; Seminars, computer exercises, and laboratory sessions 3 credits; Project 3.5 credits; Written report in Computational biology 1.5 credits
The theory is examined through written examinations. Computer exercises and laboratory sessions require active participation. The project is examined through written and oral presentation.
Other directives
Can not be included in the degree together with 1BG351 Structure and Function of Biomolecules 10 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