BMB509: Bioanalytical instrumentation

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 Blackboard for syllabus lists and additional literature references.

Activities during the study phase:

• Read notes, compendia, articles and slides from the lectures


• Home assignments


• Laboratory reports


• Preparation for laboratory exercises