Entry requirements

120 credits inclusive Molecular and statistical mechanics, Genomics - experimental methods, Methods in Biotechnology.

Learning outcomes

The course is an introduction to macromolecular X-ray crystallography in general, and protein crystallography in particular.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• perform simple crystallisation experiments
• account for the elements of crystal symmetry and the basis of crystallographic theory
• account for the basic methods used in macromolecular crystallography
• build models of macromolecules based on electron density maps
• analyse and locate possible errors of sch models using validation methods

Content

The course provides an introduction to crystallographic theory as well as basic practical experience. The theory includes Fourier transforms, crystallisation, space group determination, data collection and experimental determination of phases ( including the method of isomorphous and molecular replacement, and MAD phasing). The interpretation of electron density maps as a 3D structure will be discussed, as well as the refinement of macromolecular structures. The course will make use of high performance computer graphics both for the display of macromolecules and crystallographic analysis. Laborative work: High resolution computer graphics will be used to work with macromolecules and electron densities. Protein crystals will be prepared for analysis and data collection using 2D area detectors.

Instruction

Lectures, computer practicals and laboratory work. Participation in practicals and laboratory work is obligatory.

Assessment

Written exam at the end of the course. Practical exercises and laboratory work are assigned 1 point.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.