Course Description
Introduces topics related to protein and macromolecular structure and function in the context of Microbiology. Course is updated to keep pace with the current research literature.
Athena Title
Quantitative Protein Biochem
Non-Traditional Format
We seek to offer this course as a 1-credit short course, to meet during the second 5 weeks of the semester. It is a highly focused introduction that is geared specifically toward Microbiology graduate students.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Course Objectives
Microbiologists need to understand and utilize state-of-the-art approaches to elucidate protein function and its structural basis. This module introduces fundamentals and strategies for protein biochemical analysis, along with practice at interpretation and modeling. Students who complete this module will be able to interpret enzyme kinetic studies, protein interaction measurements, and connect the modeling of macromolecules to chemical and biophysical principles.
Topical Outline
Macromolecular structure and function Strategies for implementing and interpreting enzyme assays (linear range, coupled assays, redox dyes, kinetics) Computational approaches for studying enzyme mechanisms Biophysical techniques for structural characterization of macromolecules and macromolecular complexes Computational and modeling approaches for predicting the structure and features of cellular macromolecules Merging experimental data with modeling Survey of microscopy approaches Literature examples of using the above approaches to understand microbial metabolism