Structural Molecular Biology

Language of Instruction

English

Pre-requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent, including knowledge of molecular biology.

Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, the students should be able to:

• describe the different levels of protein structure, from amino-acid level to larger, quaternary complexes
• understand the forces and effects that fold the protein monomers into structures
• explain how proteins use this structural organization to attain properties that is not found in its constituent components
• understand how these properties are used to perform tasks at the molecular level in a living organism
• explain how such protein function is regulated by modification, localization and effector molecules
• provide informed examples of how the above points come together in cell processes, such as signal transduction, endo/exocytosis, cell motility and gene regulation

Contact Information

Study advisor at the Department of Molecular Biology, advice@mbi.uib.no

Course Coordinator

Associate professor Øyvind Halskau, Oyvind.Halskau@mbi.uib.no

Course offered (semester)

Spring

Language of Instruction

English

Aim and Content

The course covers the chemical, physical and biological properties of biomolecules. The emphasis will be on proteins, DNA and RNA in order to understand the relationship between structure and function. Carbohydrates and lipids will also be covered to the extent that they impact the properties of proteins. Instruction will be given in a physical-chemical and thermodynamic context, and teaching will be based on, for instance, the chemical nature of the building blocks of macromolecules (amino acids and nucleotides). Factors of special importance to the folding, ligand-binding and interaction between proteins and nucleic acids will be emphasised. Methods for studying the structure of these macromolecules relative to functional properties will be discussed, and we will also discuss how such properties may be altered (e.g. by protein engineering). The course is obligatory for Master´s degree students in molecular biology.

Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, the students should be able to:

• describe the different levels of protein structure, from amino-acid level to larger, quaternary complexes
• understand the forces and effects that fold the protein monomers into structures
• explain how proteins use this structural organization to attain properties that is not found in its constituent components
• understand how these properties are used to perform tasks at the molecular level in a living organism
• explain how such protein function is regulated by modification, localization and effector molecules
• provide informed examples of how the above points come together in cell processes, such as signal transduction, endo/exocytosis, cell motility and gene regulation

Pre-requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent, including knowledge of molecular biology.

Subject Overlap

MOL305 10sp

Compulsory Requirements

Written assignment

Assessment methods

Written assignment and written exam (4 hours), possibly oral exams depending on total number of students. The written assignment will count for 25 % and the exam 75 % of the final grade.

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Contact Information

Study advisor at the Department of Molecular Biology, advice@mbi.uib.no