Entry requirements

Biochemistry NV2, 10 points or equivalent knowledge.

Aims

Participants shall learn to handle the most important scientific data bases and the methods used to store, analyse and model different types of biochemical information. The studens shall also learn how to spread biochemical information.

Content

The course is focused seeking, analysing, modelling and presenting biochemical data and includes the following objects:

Databases for literature, organisms, metabolism, sequence and structure of proteins and other biomolecules, along with other kinds of biochemical data. Seaching for information, different types of search methods and how to stear them by the use of algorithms and formating of search criteria. Analysis and presentation of search result.

Analysis of experimental data from, e.g., enzymatic measurements, binding studies, ELISA, etc., by use of non-linear regression, multivariate methods and computerised image analysis. Methods for planning biochemical experiments, modelling molecular structures and simulation of complex processes. The course will also deal with general information problems such as citation and evaluation of sources and the formulation of different types of scientific applications, including oral presentations and popularisation of scientific information. Technical factors influencing the choice of methods and media for presentation will also be treated.

The course will consist of a number of projects, each illuminating some important current areas of biochemical research and how methods can be used in different contexts.

Instruction

The course is computer- and Internet based, where the teaching takes the form of one or several individual projects based on information available in public data banks, libraries and other sources of information. Obligatory exercises, seminars and reports are included, supervison and seminars being tuned to the project at hand.

Assessment

The obligatory exercises performed through the course will be evaluated. Final presentation will be made both orally and in written form. Approved exercises correspond to 4 points. Students who have failed the final presentation have the opportunity to try again at the end of autumn semester, after Christmas vacations and at the end of the spring semester.