Entry requirements

120 credits including 60 credits in chemistry of which either (1) Biochemistry, 10 credits, and Biophysical Chemistry, 10 credits, or (2) Biochemistry, 5 credits, and Chemical Bonding and Computational Chemistry, 10 credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the key principles underpinning the most common techniques currently used for simulation of macromolecules
• perform basic simulations of macromolecules, such as classical molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations, and analyse the output to describe biomolecular function
• apply enhanced sampling approaches
• apply multiscale models to describe biochemical reactivity in enzymes
• critically assess and select the appropriate computational tool to tackle a given biochemical problem.

Content

Computational methods to study biomolecular systems. Basic quantum chemistry, statistical thermodynamics, molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations for macromolecular systems, advanced sampling approaches. Statistical analysis, computational enzymology, computational drug design.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and computer exercises.

Assessment

Written examination (5 credits), exercises and seminars (5 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.