KEMS544 Macromolecular NMR Spectroscopy (3–5 cr)

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Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Chemistry
Curriculum periods:
2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 2027-2028

Description

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.

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.


Working life skills

  • Manages the planning of work, tasks, and time use and adheres to agreed schedules.
  • Can relate and apply the learned in the course to a broader context.
  • Can independently search information and expand their knowledge.
  • Can answer orally and in writing to problems and questions and can clearly explain their answer or opinion.
  • Is able to discuss phenomena related to macromolecule NMR spectroscopy using correct terminology and terminology in Finnish and in English.

Additional information

The course is available during the academic years 2024-2025 and 2026-2027.

Description of prerequisites

Participation and passing of courses KEMS5380 Basics of NMR Spectroscopy (4 ECTS) and KEMS5390 Practical NMR Spectroscopy (2 ECTS) is not required but highly recommended.


Prior passing or simultaneous participation to introductory level course (3 ECTS) is mandatory in order to participate advanced level course (2 ECTS).

Recommended prerequisites

Study materials

  • Lu-Yun Lian (Editor), Gordon Roberts (Editor), Protein NMR Spectroscopy: Principal Techniques and Applications, Wiley, 2011. (ISBN-13: 978-0470721933)
  • 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

Evaluation criteria:
Passing of the introductory course (1/5) requires successful completion of the exercise and at least 50% of the maximum score on the exam. In addition, at least 50% of the maximum score in the Advanced Exam is required to pass the advanced part of the course.
Time of teaching:
Period 4
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
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Participation in teaching (3–5 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
The introductory course is graded on a scale of 0-5 and the advanced course is pass-fail. The grade of the whole course is thus determined by the grade of the introductory course.
Language:
English, Finnish
Study methods:

Teaching language is English if needed.

Teaching