Course 2024-2025

Structure of macromolecules [SCHIM213]

  • 4 credits
  • 12h
  • 1st quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français

Learning outcomes

Familiarize the student with the three-dimensional (3D) structure of proteins, the experimental determination of this 3D structure as well as the methods of predicting the 3D structure. Protein manipulation (protein engineering) will also be addressed, using examples from the literature and/or external speakers.

 

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Accurately define and explain the various scientific concepts of the course

• Carry out a scientific research using the bibliographic research techniques already acquired and the molecular modeling techniques seen in class or related.

• Write a scientific document reporting on the work carried out within the framework of the EU and the interpretations and conclusions drawn from it

• If applicable, present a summary of scientific quality, clear and structured, of a scientific conference which the student will have attended within the framework of the EU

 

Objectives

At the end of the course, students will master the concepts related to the structure of a biological macromolecule, be able to critically apply molecular modelling techniques and understand a scientific article, and be able to synthesize and present results.

Content

The course will consist of:

- a section on experimental techniques for determining the structure of biological macromolecules,

- a section on theoretical approaches to modelling biological macromolecules.

 

In addition to a set of theoretical concepts, a practical application will be offered in the form of a tutorial(s). A report will be submitted on a date set by the teachers and will serve as the basis for the examination.

Table of contents

- Brief description of the topics covered

Physical interactions within proteins and energy contributions that allow the folding and stability of the folded structure of biological macromolecules. Concepts such as "force fields" will also be discussed.

Experimental techniques for determining the structure of biological macromolecules. Physicochemical methods can be used to propose a model of the three-dimensional structure of a protein. These methods include X-ray diffraction on protein crystals and nuclear magnetic resonance. Other approaches, such as fluorescence and circular dichroism, can also characterize the structure of a protein.

Theoretical approaches for modelling biological macromolecules


Teaching methods

The course is given with powerpoint presentations that are available in PDF format on the Webcampus site.

A practical implementation will be proposed in the form of tutorial(s) carried out in the IT pool.

Evaluations

The evaluation is based on the performance and defence of a work.

Recommended readings

see webcampus

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Master's Degree