Molecular Biophysics
ΒΒ0405 | ECTS: 5
Theory: 3 hours/week | Practicals: 2 hours/week
Learning Outcomes
Within the framework of theoretical lectures, students become familiar with the physical principles governing the structure and function of biological macromolecules and biological membranes, as well as the principles of the most significant biophysical methods (both theoretical and experimental). The theoretical lectures are complemented by problem-solving exercises and a series of four two-hour laboratory sessions. In these sessions, students apply the knowledge gained from the lectures and acquire skills in using experimental and computational methods and tools applied in modern research practice within the field of Molecular Biophysics.
Analytical Description of the Course
- Molecular interactions
- Structure of proteins and nucleic acids
- Molecular Thermodynamics
- Methods for isolation and characterization of biomolecules
- Calorimetry
- Optical spectroscopic methods for biological molecule analysis
- Mass Spectrometry
- NMR Spectroscopy
- Fluorometry / Fluorescence Spectroscopy
- Crystallization of biological macromolecules
- X-ray Diffraction
- Radiation scattering from macromolecular solutions
- Cryo-electron microscopy
- Single-molecule methods
Laboratory Exercises
- Search and analysis of protein sequences and prediction of their physicochemical properties
- Chromatographic protein purification
- Protein crystallisation
- Refinement of the Ribonuclease A protein model based on the electron density map from X-ray diffraction data
Student Performance Evaluation
Performance is assessed based on a written examination covering both the theoretical and laboratory components during the exam period. The written exam includes:
- Open-ended questions (50-60 units)
- True/False statements (20 units)
- Targeted short-answer questions requiring brief and precise responses (20 units)
The total score corresponds to 100 units, which are scaled to a final grade out of 10. This scaling determines each student’s grade for the theoretical part of the course.
The laboratory component is assessed through:
- A written exam following the completion of the laboratory exercises.
- Lab reports submitted by students one week after each exercise.
The laboratory grade is the average of the student’s marks from the written exam and the reports. The final course grade is calculated from the theoretical part (80%) and the laboratory part (20%).
Suggested Bibliography
- ΒΙΟΦΥΣΙΚΗ – Αρχές Φυσικής Βιοχημείας, Kensal E van Holde, Curtis, Johnson, Pui Shing Ho, ΕΜΒΡΥΟ, Αθήνα 2010.
- Θέματα Μοριακής Βιοφυσικής, Σ. Ι. Χαμόδρακα, Εκδόσεις ΣΥΜΜΕΤΡΙΑ, Αθήνα 1993.
- Molecular Biophysics for the Life Sciences- Norma Allewell, Linda O. Narhi, Ivan Rayment, 2013.
