KEMS544 Macromolecular NMR spectroscopy (3–5 cr)

Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Chemistry
Curriculum periods:
2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020

Description

Content

The course will cover how to study structure and function of biological macromolecules, mainly proteins, by multidimensional multinuclear NMR spectroscopy.

The course has been divided in two parts, introduction level (3 ECTS) and advanced level (2 ECTS) course. The student can participate either introduction level course or both courses at the same time (courses are run parallel). However, in order to receive 5 ECTS, participation for both courses is required, that is, there is no possibility to participate advanced level course without completing the introductory level course.

Completion methods

Three final exams will be organised. Questions in the final exam cover the topics in lecture material, topics discussed during the lectures and practical sessions. In addition, students need to accomplish/pass one or several assignments given out during the course. These can be done either individually or working in small groups.

Assessment details

The course grading uses the numerical scale from 1 to 5. In order to pass the course, student must pass/accomplish the assignment given out in lectures/practices. In addition, student needs minimum of 50% of maximum points available from the final exam (3 ECTS introductory level course). Passing of advanced level course necessitates passing of introductory level course (3 ECTS) with aforementioned criteria and obtaining > 50 % of maximum points of advanced level course final exam.
Thus, student may obtain either 3 or 5 ECTS, but the grading is based on performance on introductory level course exam (1-5).

Grade 1: Student has entry level understanding of the basic principles of methods introduced during the course and can apply these methods to simple problems

Grade 2: Student knows the basic principles and concepts of biomacromolecular NMR

Grade 3: Student understands the basic principles, concepts and features of biomacromolecular NMR and is able to apply these to common problems

Grade 4: Student has profound knowledge of the principles, concepts and features of biomacromolecular NMR and is able to apply these to various scientific problems.

Grade 5: Student has profound understanding of the principles, concepts and features of biomacromolecular NMR and is able to recognise problem at hand and employ optimal approach to resolve the problem.

Learning outcomes

The course is divided in two parts, introductory level (3 ECTS) and advanced level (2 ECTS). In the introductory level course, the student will learn basics of multinuclear multidimensional NMR spectroscopy and how NMR spectroscopy can be applied to study structure and function of biological macromolecules, mainly proteins. Student will learn and understand different steps involved in protein structure determination; sample preparation, data collection using various NMR experiments, data processing, data analysis, structure calculations and validation of structures. In addition, student will learn how to utilise NMR spectroscopy to study protein dynamics and molecular interactions.

In the advanced level course (2 ECTS), the student obtains more profound level knowledge of various NMR experiments. He/she understands on theoretical and practical level how different NMR experiments work, how them can be analyzed and how to modify the existing experiments and design new ones.

Description of prerequisites

Prior passing or simultaneous participation to introductory level course (3 ECTS) is mandatory in order to participate advanced level course (2 ECTS).
Participation and passing of courses KEMS5380 Basics of NMR Spectroscopy (4 ECTS) ja KEMS5390 Practical NMR Spectroscopy (2 ECTS) is not required but highly recommended.

Study materials

Handouts from lectures and practical sessions.

Literature

  • J. Cavanagh, W. J. Fairbrother, A. G. Palmer III, M. Rance & N. J. Skelton, Protein NMR spectroscopy – principles and practice. Academic Press, 2007.; ISBN-13: 978-0-12-164491-8

Completion methods

Method 1

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Parts of the completion methods
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