Structural Biology/ Biochemistry 241: Biological Macromolecules 3-5 Units

Autumn 2004-05, MWF 1:15-2:45 PM, Room M112

Course Description:

To understand biological processes we must understand the macromolecules that carry out biological function. Regardless of one's particular areas of research, this knowledge allows better design and evaluation of experiments and deeper appreciation of the essence of biology. This course provides a rigorous background that will allow students to glean information from protein structures and to use and evaluate thermodynamic and kinetic concepts to understand biological function.

Concepts of thermodynamics, molecular forces, and kinetics of enzymatic and diffusional processes will be introduced and related to their practical application in experimental design and interpretation. Principles of protein structure, packing and protein ligand interactions will be developed through lectures, discussions and problem sets. The use of these concepts to understand biological function will be demonstrated through case studies from the literature.

Last Edited 9/23/04