BMB509: Bioanalytical instrumentation

DISCONTINUED - last offered Autumn 2023

1. Exam attempts are held January 2024
2. Exam attempts are held March 2024 
3. Exam attempts will be held in January 2025

None

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 basic math, physics, chemistry and cell biology as taught in the first year of the bachelor program, as well as the content of the courses BMB532 and BMB533
• Be able to apply the math and physics taught in the first year of the program.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

Notes and articles.
See itslearning for syllabus lists and additional literature references

At the faculty of science, teaching is organized after the three-phase model ie. intro, training and study phase.

• Intro phase - 30 hours
• Training phase: 20 hours, including 4 hours tutorials and 16 hours laboratory
  

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