BMB509: Bioanalytical instrumentation (5 ECTS)

STADS: 01012501

Level
Bachelor course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the autumn semester.

Teacher responsible
Email: wuestner@bmb.sdu.dk

Additional teachers
brewer@memphys.sdu.dk
tjdj@bmb.sdu.dk

Timetable
Group Type Day Time Classroom Weeks Comment
Common I Monday 12-14 U56 46-49
Common I Monday 12-14 U14 50
Common I Tuesday 12-14 U155 45
Common I Wednesday 08-10 U24 45
Common I Wednesday 08-10 U48A 46
Common I Wednesday 08-10 U140 47-49
Common I Friday 08-10 U31 45-46
H1 TL Monday 14-18 Blue Lab 48
H1 TL Monday 14-18 White Lab 49-50
H1 TL Monday 12-16 White Lab 51
H1 TE Thursday 14-16 U12 46-47
H2 TE Tuesday 12-14 U155 46-47
H2 TL Tuesday 12-16 White Lab 51
H2 TL Wednesday 14-18 Blue Lab 48
H2 TL Wednesday 14-18 White Lab 49
H2 TL Thursday 10-14 White Lab 50
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Prerequisites:
None.

Academic preconditions:
Students taking the course are expected to:
  • Have knowledge of basic mathematics and physics that include logarithms and exponential functions, linear algebra, first order differential equations, basic statistics and basic physical principles of electrodynamics, -statics and optics, as taught at gymnasium-level. 
  • Have knowledge of FF502 and FF503, BMB506 Protein chemistry, BMB502 Enzymes and membranes, BMB504 Fundamental Molecular Biology and BMB503 Fundamental Biochemistry as well as 1st-year physics course.


Course introduction
The aim of the course is to enable the student to understand and apply selected methods for investigating biomolecular structure and function using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry but also for characterization and functional analysis of biomolecules in living cells using fluorescence microscopy.  The techniques will be demonstrated in practical exercises.

The course builds on the knowledge acquired in the courses listed under academic preconditions below, and gives an academic basis for studying the topics of the bachelor project but also of courses advanced biophotonics and mass spectrometry, that are part of the degree.

In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:

  • Give competence in understanding the application of selected biochemical techniques to determine biomolecular structure and function as well as spatial distribution of biomolecules and molecular complexes in cells. 
  • Give skills to apply these techniques to solve a biological problem. 
  • Introduce absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy and mass spectrometry methods used in modern biochemistry and molecular cell biology, including practical work and demonstrations.


Qualifications
.

Expected learning outcome
The learning objectives of the course are that the student demonstrates the ability to:
  • Know the principles of frequently applied separation techniques for biomolecules.
  • Sketch experiments for fractionation, isolation and characterization of biomolecules.
  • Interpret straightforward data sets recorded by microscopy, optical spectroscopy or mass spectrometry. 
  • Explain principles of relevant light-matter interaction, as radiation, absorption, reflection, refraction, diffraction or emission from molecules (i.e. fluorescence).  
  • Describe properties and application of fluorescence probes being used in biochemical and cellular research.
  • Know the principles of fluorescence techniques for determining concentrations and properties of biomolecules.
  • Know the anatomy and function of light microscopes including a description of its optical components.
  • Describe the physical principles behind microscopic methods for characterization of cellular structures. 
  • Know how to apply such methods in modern cell biological research.
  • Be familiar with basic principles of digital images and know how to basic image processing and analysis methods.
Subject overview
The following main topics are contained in the course:
  • Introduction to microscope optics and computer-assisted image analysis
  • Separation of biomolecules based on physicochemical properties by chromatography or electrophoresis
  • Introduction into light absorption and fluorescence phenomena as basis for fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy
  • Detection and characterization of biomolecules by microscopy, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry
  • Visualization and localization of biomolecules in cells by microscopy techniques.
Literature
  • Noter og artikler.


Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
Lab exercises. Pass/fail, internal marking by the teacher.

Assessment and marking:
  1. Oral exam (20 min) with marks according to the Danish 7-point scale and internal examiner. No exam aids allowed.

Re-examination in same term or immediately thereafter.



Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.
Intro phase: 26-30 hours
Skills training phase: 20 hours, hereof:
 - Tutorials: 4 hours
 - Laboratory exercises: 16 hours

Educational activities

Educational form
The lectures introduce the concepts and set the stage for the lab activities in the training phase.

Activities during the study phase:

  • Read notes, compendia, articles and slides from the lectures
  • Home assignments
  • Laboratory reports
  • Preparation for laboratory exercises


Language
This course is taught in Danish or English, depending on the lecturer.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.