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Academic Year 2004/2005

Structural Biology Laboratory
MB&B 395 SP
Crosslistings:
CHEM 395
PHYS 395

One of the major catalysts of the revolution in biology that is now under way is our current ability to determine the physical properties and three-dimensional structures of biological molecules by x-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and other spectroscopic methods. This course is designed to familiarize students with current research techniques in biochemistry and molecular biophysics. Students will perform spectroscopic investigations on a protein that they have isolated and characterized using typical biochemical techniques, such as electrophoresis, enzyme extraction and column chromatography. It will provide hands-on experience with spectroscopic methods such as NMR, fluorescence, UV-Vis absorption and Raman as well as bioinformatic computational methods. All these methods will be applied to the study of biomolecular structure and energetics. This course provides a broad knowledge of laboratory techniques valuable for independent research at the undergraduate level and beyond. This course can be taken in lieu of MB&B294 to satisfy the MB&B major upper-level laboratory requirement. For biological chemistry majors, MB&B395 may also be taken in lieu of one (1) semester of Integrated Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM375 or 376).

MAJOR READINGS

Handouts from current literature.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Laboratory reports and sets.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This interdisciplinary course is designed for majors and other upper level students interested in molecular biophysics. A good undergraduate background in structural biochemistry and the physical sciences is desirable; however, the most important prerequisite is a strong desire to master the subject matter of the course. In lieu of meeting the prerequisites, otherwise qualified students may obtain the permission of the instructor, with a prerequisite override. It is suggested, but not required, that you take MB&B381.

COURSE FORMAT: Laboratory

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NONE    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: (MB&B208 AND CHEM141 AND CHEM142) OR (MB&B208 AND CHEM143 AND CHEM144) Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005

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