Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - MBB 723 G100

Protein Structure and Function (3)

Class Number: 2010

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 3, 2019: Tue, Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Mechanistic principles for how protein molecules achieve diverse functions such as chemical catalysis and conformational switching. Students will learn to critique hypotheses about structural mechanisms, and to interpret the primary literature reporting on structural evidence from X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy.

COURSE DETAILS:

3 lecture hours + 1 tutorial hour / week

Mechanistic principles for how protein molecules achieve diverse functions such as chemical catalysis and conformational switching. Students will learn to critique hypotheses about structural mechanisms, and to interpret the primary literature reporting on structural evidence from X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy.

Through examination of modern research literature, students will learn to assess primary literature reports of structure data, and to formulate hypotheses and apply structural reasoning in investigations of molecular mechanism. Prerequisite: Any 4th year biochemistry course OR permission of instructor.

Topics

Structural basis of protein function:     

  • Stability and flexibility     
  • Enzymatic catalysis    
  • Integrating multiple functions
Obtaining and assessing structural data:    
  • X-ray crystallography     
  • Electron microscopy     
  • Spectroscopic techniques

Grading

  • Quizzes/iClicker 15%
  • Midterm Exam I 15%
  • Written Assignment 15%
  • Midterm Exam II 15%
  • Written Research Project 40%

NOTES:

Grading is subject to change depending on enrolment.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

iClicker transmitter required during lectures (available from SFU Bookstore)

REQUIRED READING:

This course is not textbook-based. Course readings and research journal articles will be available in Library Reserves.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS