KJM9320 – BIOCAT - Structural Biology Techniques

Course content

The course offers an introduction to experimental methods for structure determination and structure prediction. It is up to date and taught by experts in the fields. The course will cover the main high-resolution methods X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as well as electron cryo-microscopy (Cryo-EM), small-angle X-ray, and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS), molecular modelling and structural mass spectrometry. The methods will be studied in theory and practice, giving the students a good overview of methods applicable in their Ph.D. projects in the subject. The course shall also enable participants to read and judge modern literature in the field.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you:

• have a fundamental understanding of the main experimental structural biology techniques protein crystallography, NMR and cryo-EM
• have knowledge of complementary experimental techniques, such as SAXS, SANS and structural mass spectrometry
• have knowledge of complementary theoretical techniques (molecular modeling) and bioinformatics
• have insight into when to apply which technique, and their advantages and limitations
• have some practical experience
• have the ability to present your work and important scientific concepts
• are able to read, understand and judge structural biology publications

Admission to the course

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge about protein structure (e.g. from KJM5310 – BIOCAT - Biomolecular Structure and Function or KJM9310 – BIOCAT - Biomolecular Structure and Function)

Overlapping courses

• 5 credits overlap with KJM5320 – BIOCAT - Structural Biology Techniques.

Teaching

The course takes place during a compact 1-week period, and comprises of:

• 16 hours of lectures and 17 hours of compulsory exercises
• 3 hours of student presentations
• a minisymposium (4 hours)
• an excursion (8 hours)

All teaching is mandatory.

Mandatory attendance at the minisymposium and two short presentations, including an elevator speech, must be approved before the exam.

A completed minisymposium with approved attendance and presentations is valid for six semesters beyond the semester it was approved.

Examination

• Written home examination is 100% of the grade.

Written home examination on protein/topic of choice. Exam is based on exploration of the existing literature and on-line sources. Students at the PhD level are expected, in addition, to identify gaps in existing knowledge and propose experiments using knowledge gained during the course.

Mandatory attendance at the seminar and the two short presentations must be approved before the exam.

It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: KJM5320 – BIOCAT - Structural Biology Techniques

Examination support material

Access to all material is allowed. The students are further allowed to consult with their fellow students (but not with their teachers or other experts), but need to write the home exam individually.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.