 |
| Detailed information |
| Original study plan |
Bachelor's programme Biological Chemistry 2025W |
| Learning Outcomes |
Competences |
| Upon successful completion of the experiments, students will be familiar with characteristic experimental methods and instrumentation used in membrane biophysics. They will be able to design and carry out experiments, analyze results, and critically evaluate findings within the context of the current scientific literature.
|
|
| Skills |
Knowledge |
| More specifically, upon completion of the course, students will be able to
• Explain fundamental biophysical concepts and methods in membrane biophysics (K1).
• Plan a sequence of experiments to characterize biological samples (K2/K3).
• Prepare biological samples (K3).
• Perform a sequence of experiments with basic biophysical laboratory equipment (K3).
• Analyze and evaluate the data by digital means, perform basic calculations, and summarize the obtained results in a report (K4/K5).
• Critically discuss the results, also in the context of the scientific literature (K5).
|
Students will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in the experimental characterization of biological systems with a focus on artificial membrane systems. Topics and methods include, but are not limited to:
• Surface potential measurements utilizing a fluorescent reporter
• Membrane fusion via turbidimetry, FRET, and fluorescent self-quenching
• Critical micellar concentration (CMC) utilizing contact angle measurements
• Membrane permeability estimation via the membrane potential
• Conductivity of peptidic channels via single-channel recordings
In addition, students will be familiarized with laboratory safety issues.
|
|
| Criteria for evaluation |
The final grade will be a combination of the student's preparation and execution of the experiment and the quality of the written protocols for each experiment.
|
| Methods |
Students are divided into groups of three and conduct four separate experiments.
|
| Language |
English |
| Changing subject? |
No |
| Further information |
- Saparov et al. A New Model of Weak Acid Permeation through Membranes Revisited: Does Overton Still Rule?. Biophysical Journal 90, 11, 2006, 86-88
- Gibrat et al. A procedure for estimating the surface potential of charged or neutral membranes with 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulphonate probe. Adequacy of the Gouy-Chapman model. BBA 736, 2, 1983, 196-202
- Kaufmann et al. A Novel Method for Detergent Concentration Determination. Biophysical Journal. 90, 1, 2006, 310-317
- Wolley et al. Model ion channels: Gramicidin and alamethicin. JMB 129, 2, 1992, 109-136
- Arnold. Cation-Induced Vesicle Fusion modulated by polymers and proteins. Handbook of Biological Physics 19, 1, 1995
|
| Earlier variants |
They also cover the requirements of the curriculum (from - to)
BCBPMPRBPHY: PR Biophysics Laboratory (2009W-2018S)
|
|
