spring 2020
KJE-3106 Biomolecular modelling - 10 ECTS

  1. Startsida
  2. Emnekatalog
  3. Biomolecular modelling

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries:  1 December for the spring semester. Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester

Type of course

Theoretical and practical course. The course is available as a singular or elective course independent of study program, also to exchange students. The course is offered on condition that a minimum number of students register for the course.

Admission requirements

Required:  

  • A bachelor degree in chemistry or equivalent, with a grade C or better in the Norwegian grading system 

Recommended: 

  • KJE-1005, or equivalent

Course overlap

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

KJE-3001 Interdisciplinary molecular sciences: From quantum mechanics to medicine 10 stp

Course content

Computer modeling and simulations have now become important tools to study complex systems in many areas of chemistry and biology. With todays high performance computers and advanced software it is possible to study the atomic level details of ribosomes and virus capsids, and to explore biological function with computational modeling. Computational modeling is frequently used to obtain novel insights into ligand binding and design, protein folding, enzyme catalysis and protein-membrane interactions. The course will introduce the basic concepts of computer modeling techniques with main focus on molecular interactions: 
  • Intermolecular forces 
  • Molecular mechanics 
  • Energy minimization 
  • Molecular dynamics simulations 
  • Monte Carlo simulations 
  • Solvation models 
  • Free energy calculations and ligand binding 
  • Enzyme catalysis

Objectives of the course

The candidate will have acquired a solid and broad theoretical basis to understand and carry out biomolecular modelling chemistry. This means that the student: 

 

Knowledge: 

  • Understands the principles of biomolecular modelling 
  • Has knowledge of how to apply biomolecular modelling methods 
  • Understands the limitation of biomolecular modelling 

 

Skills: 

  • Can discuss and evaluate theoretical predictions with experimental data 
  • Can conduct independent modeling of binding affinities  
  • Can make models of biological complexes  
  • Can analyze the results from the biomolecular modelling data 

 

Competence: 

  • Understands the relationship between molecular structure and function in biological systems 
  • Can apply his/her knowledge and skills to solve relevant problems 
  • Has knowledge to search the literature to present a chosen subject at the research front both written and orally  
  • Can write concise reports   
  • Can communicate both in writing and orally terms, theories and problems related to the methods

Language of instruction and examination

The language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English.

Teaching methods

Lectures: 30 h 

Seminars/exercises: 40 h

Assessment

A final oral exam at the end of the course. Passed/not-passed.

Candidates who receive the grade F can repeat the oral exam the following semester.

Coursework requirements: Five approved practical exercises

Recommended reading/syllabus

Pensumliste for Biomolecular modelling
  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: KJE-3106
  • Tidligere år og semester for dette emnet