Molecular Virology
This lecture provides a basic understanding of virology and introduce questions and methods of virological research. What is a virus? Genetic diversity, replication cycles, structural composition, evolution, classification, virus receptors, significance as a pathogen, antiviral strategies will be covered. These concepts are first discussed in general terms and then in detail using the example of some concrete, important viruses, including influenza, corona viruses, HIV, hepatitis A, B, C, FSME. At some points, results of current, molecular biological research are explained to enable an understanding of modern, virological research methods. After the lectures, the students have acquired fundamental knowledge of virology. They know the basic terms and definitions. They understand the genetic diversity and the significance of viruses as pathogens. They are also familiar with antiviral strategies and with a number of important viral infections.
Principles Of Organic Chemistry
The main topics that are covered are:
- Chemical bonding in organic molecules
- Systematics and properties of the substance classes
- Alkanes, alkenes and alkynes
- Cycloalkanes and aromatics
- Important functional groups and their reactions
- Important reaction mechanisms in organic chemistrySimple chemical synthesis processes
- Stereochemistry
- Heterocycles
- Structure of biomolecules and their chemical potential
Integrative Structural Biochemistry
| This course introduces students to concepts of the relatively new field of integrative structural biology. Short refreshers of classical methods of structure elucidation (X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance) will be followed by detailed descriptions of complementary techniques that are essential for a detailed functional characterization of complex biomolecules as well as biomolecular complexes. These methods include advanced concepts of NMR, solution scattering studies (SAXS/SANS), computer-aided calculations (structure prediction, ligand binding, molecular dynamics), cryo-electron microscopy as well as mass spectrometry-based concepts (Crosslinking, radical footprinting, Hydrogen-Deuterium exchange). In addition, integrative modelling approaches that combine complementary experimental techniques and/or bioinformatic data will be discussed. To better convey the educational contents, emphasis will be put on demonstrating the potential of each methodology for addressing complex biological questions. This will provide students with the basis for effectively approaching the characterization of scientific systems during subsequent stages of their education (master thesis, PhD thesis). |
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Structural Bioinformatics (Practical Course)
| Practical examples from the field of structural bioinformatics and molecular modeling: prediction and modeling of protein structures, docking simulations, molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics. Theoretical knowledge as provided by the lecture course structural bioinformatics – molecular modeling, basic knowledge in structural biology is expected. After the course, the students are able to independently solve problems in the field of structural bioinformatics and molecular modeling. |
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Structural Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling
| Basics of structural bioinformatics and molecular modeling: structural databases, structure validation and visualization, prediction of secondary and tertiary structures of proteins (threading, homology modeling), ligand design (molecular docking, molecular interaction fields), molecular mechanics and dynamics, estimation of free energies, enzyme design, basics of QM- and QM/MM-methods. Basic knowledge of chemistry and structural biology is required. After the lecture, the students are able to extract structural information of small molecules and biological macromolecules from the specific databases and to validate these data. They know some important software products and web services, which are used in structural bioinformatics. The students understand the basis of important algorithms and are able to assess their usability and limits. |
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