Structural Biology Laboratory
MB&B 395
Spring 2026
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
CHEM 395, PHYS 395 |
One of the major catalysts of the revolution in biology that is now under way is our current ability to determine the physical properties and three-dimensional structures of biological molecules by X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, and other spectroscopic methods. This course is designed to familiarize students with current research techniques in biochemistry and molecular biophysics. Students will perform spectroscopic investigations on a protein that they have isolated and characterized using typical biochemical techniques, such as electrophoresis, protein purification, and column chromatography. The course will provide hands-on experience with spectroscopic and biophysical methods such as fluorescence, UV-Vis absorption, X-ray crystallography, isothermal titration calorimetry, and circular dichroism as well as bioinformatic computational methods. All of these methods will be applied to the study of biomolecular structure and energetics. This course provides a broad knowledge of laboratory techniques valuable for independent research at the undergraduate level and beyond. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM MB&B |
| Course Format: Laboratory Course | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: (CHEM142 OR CHEM142Z OR CHEM144) AND (CHEM325 OR MB&B208 OR PHYS207) |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Chemistry)(Informatics and Modeling Minor)(Molecular Biology and Biochemistry)(Molecular Biophysics Minor)(Physics Minor) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 75% - 89% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
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Handouts from current literature.
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Examinations and Assignments:
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Laboratory reports and sets. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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his interdisciplinary course is designed for majors and other upper level students interested in molecular biophysics. A good undergraduate background in structural biochemistry and the physical sciences is desirable; however, the most important prerequisite is a strong desire to master the subject matter of the course. In lieu of meeting the prerequisites, otherwise qualified students may obtain the permission of the instructor, with a prerequisite override. It is suggested, but not required, that you take MB&B381.
This course can be taken in lieu of MB&B394 to satisfy the MB&B major upper-level laboratory requirement. For biological chemistry majors, MB&B395 may also be taken in lieu of one (1) semester of Integrated Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM375 or CHEM376). |
| Instructor(s): Olson,Rich Times: .M..... 01:20PM-05:20PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 12 | | SR major: 7 | JR major: 5 | | |
| Seats Available: 12 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 0 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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