Entry requirements

120 credits including 60 credits in chemistry including 10 credits in biochemistry. 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:

• explain and compare biophysical methods for analyzing the properties of macromolecules and their intermolecular interactions, 
• explain statistical thermodynamics and apply models for molecular simulation of macromolecular systems,
• suggest and apply experimental and theoretical methods for various types of biophysical/biochemical studies,
• reflect on how the biophysical properties of biological macromolecules affect their interactions and the formation of supramolecular complexes in biological systems. 

Content

Biophysical properties of biological macromolecules (e.g. structure, oligomerization, solubility, stability) and how these properties are affected by interactions with other molecules, chemical modifications, and the surrounding environment. Supramolecular complexes, membrane structures, and membraneless organelles.

Biophysical methods with a focus on biochemical applications. Equilibrium-based and time-resolved methods. Spectroscopic methods, X-ray crystallography and NMR, light scattering methods, sedimentation, electrophoresis, chromatography, biosensors. Characterization of macromolecular structures and intermolecular interactions, conformational changes, and quantitative description of equilibria and kinetics for simple interactions and multi-step mechanisms. Methods for analyzing biochemical processes, such as membrane transport and enzyme reactions.

Overview of the applicability of different methods, strategies for method selection.

Statistical thermodynamics for biochemical systems. Molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation.

Instruction

The teaching is given as lectures, lessons, seminars, laboratory sessions and projects with written presentations and seminars. Communication trainingintegrated with other course parts.

Assessment

Written tests are organised at the end of the course (6 credits). Laboratory sessions (4 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.