January 08, 2008

BIOL 918: Modern Biochemical and Biophysical Methods

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Organizers:

Audrey Lamb, 5060 Haworth, 864-5075, lamb@ku.edu

Krzysztof Kuczera, 5090 Malott, 864-5060, kkuczera@ku.edu

Emily Scott, 4067 Malott, 864-5559, eescott@ku.edu

Instructors:

Audrey Lamb, Emily Scott, Heather Desaire, Cindy Berrie, Roberto De Guzman, Krzysztof Kuczera

Semester: Spring 2008

Time & place: WF 1:00 – 2:50pm, Room 3012 Haworth or as specially scheduled

Line # : 82790           Credit hours: 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Class Goals.

The class will present a comprehensive overview of the theory and applications of modern methods of biophysics and biochemistry. Each topic will be taught by an expert who is currently using the technique in his/her research. Class lectures will be augmented by laboratory demonstrations and activities. The goal is to identify strengths and limitations of various approaches, improve understanding of current biochemical literature and expand the range of tools considered by students in day-to-day research.

Class components and grading.

Besides formal lectures, the class will involve laboratory experience with the different methods. Homework will be assigned for each section, involving exercises related to the material covered and/or brief laboratory reports. A midterm exam, covering the material of the first half semester, is scheduled for March 12. The material from the second half of the semester will be covered in the second exam, during the finals period.

grade = 0.333*(midterm) + 0.333*(final) + 0.333*(homework)

Ethics module.

We will be discussing ethical issues relevant to research during the regular class meetings on March 14 and May 2. There will also be 1-2h work outside of class involving ethics.

Internet access.

The site http: //oolung.chem.ukans.edu/~kuczera/918/anno.html

contains the basic course information.

During the semester materials and annoucements will be posted on Blackboard.