KJM5320 – BIOCAT - Structural Biology Techniques
Course description
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-angel X-ray, and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS), molecular modeling, and structural mass spectrometry. The methods will be studied in theory and practice, giving the students a good overview of methods applicable in their Master's 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 scattering techniques 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
Students admitted at UiO must apply for courses in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
Nordic citizens and applicants residing in the Nordic countries may apply to take this course as a single course student.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
Recommended previous knowledge
Knowledge about protein structure (e.g. from KJM5310 – BIOCAT - Biomolecular Structure and Function/KJM9310 – BIOCAT - Biomolecular Structure and Function)
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with KJM9320 – BIOCAT - Structural Biology Techniques.
Teaching
The teaching in this course takes place intensively within one week, and consists of:
- 16 hours of lectures
- 17 hours of compulsory exercises
- 3 hours of student presentations
- a mini-symposium (4 hours)
- an excursion (8 hours)
All teaching is mandatory.
Mandatory attendance at the mini-symposium and two short presentations, including an elevator speech, must be approved before exam.
A completed mini-symposium with two presentations is valid for six semesters beyond the semester it was approved.
Examination
- Written home exam on an optional topic/protein, which counts 100 % towards the final
The exam for master's students is based on the exploration of the existing literature and online sources on the topic.
This course has mandatory activities that must be approved before you can take the final 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: KJM9320 – 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.