Chemistry: Advanced Experimental Protein Chemistry

<p>Curious about how cells are working on a molecular level? Learn more about proteins - the hard workers of the cells - while training your laboratory skills.</p><p>KEMM53. The aim of the course is that the students shall acquire up to date advanced knowledge and skills for biochemical studies of proteins and acquire an deep understanding of how proteins work by theoretical and practical investigations of the function, properties and structural dynamics of proteins. </p> <h2>Course content</h2> <p>Proteins have a diverse range of functions in the living cell. Proteins can be enzymes, molecular motors that make things move, messengers that transmit signals, transporters of oxygen, and many other things. In short, proteins enable life. </p> <p>The lectures and exercises provide advanced information how to study proteins on a molecular level and how proteins work. The lectures give insight in the research frontier and provide a theoretical background on experimental methods used for protein purification and investigations of protein properties, function and dynamics. These methods are e.g. preparative methods, protein purification by ion-exchange/adsorption/affinity chromatography, criteria for purity, SDS-PAGE, iso-electric focusing, 2D electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, methods to study protein interactions, analysis of post-translational modifications, spectroscopy to analyse the dynamics and secondary structure of proteins and bioinformatics.</p> <p>Experimental protein chemistry is a central topic in the course and the students are trained in the use of important methods within protein purification and characterisation, including methods used for the study of properties, function, and structural dynamics. In addition, the students are trained in experimental planning, execution, and documentation. The use of biochemical information, bioinformatics and databases are also included in the course.</p>