Syllabus for Structure and Function of Macromolecules

Learning outcomes

The overall goal of this course is to give students advanced knowledge of the relationship between the structure and function of biomolecules and to handle different tools used in structural bioinformatics. The student will also get good knowledge of current research and development of drugs directed against biological macromolecules. After the course, the student should

• know the basis of biological macromolecules constitution and traits
• be able to explain the basis of biological catalysis
• explain control mechanisms of important biological processes: cell signalling, transcription, translation, and protein secretion
• be able to explain the constitution of molecular complexes like ribosomes and viruses and aggregates like filaments and tubules
• know and be able to use databases with information of structure and function of macromolecules
• know and be able to use and analyse results from methods use to predict secondary- and tertiary structure of macromolecules
• know how drugs aimed against biological macromolecules are developed using rational drug design After the module "Current trends in biology" the student should have insights in
• research front, history and role in society of biology
• genus perspectives, research ethics and philosophy of science

Content

Lectures and tutorials dealing with the following topics:

Methods for the determination of macromolecules structure and interaction.

Basic macromolecular structure: DNA, RNA, protein, lipids and carbohydrates. The folding process and structural background to the dynamics of macromolecules.

Binding specificity, catalysis and cooperativity in enzymes and receptors.

Macromolecular function in transcription, translation, signalling and other fields of cell biology. Biological structure databases.

Structure analysis and classification of proteins in structural families.

Relation between sequence, structure and function. Computer modelling of secondary- and tertiary structure of proteins and nucleic acid based on sequence data. Enzyme/receptor-based drugs-rational drug design.

Instruction

Lectures, computer exercises, seminars. The module Current trends in biology is a seminar series during the course.

Assessment

A passing grade requires that the final written exam is passed (10 credits), completed obligatory computer exercises and seminars (3 credits). For the module Current trends in biology presence and active participation in seminars are required (2 credits).