Proteins are nature’s robots - the self-operating nano-scale machines on which all cellular biology depends. As part of their function, proteins may interact with other molecules, undertake directed and non-directed movement, promote chemical reactions, become chemically modified, and fluctuate significantly in conformation. This paper addresses the experimental investigation and quantitative modelling of such basic molecular processes, which can explain the biological activities of proteins, and facilitate protein engineering. The first half of the course develops some of the needed theory, while the second half of the course is focused on practical applications.
This course is a natural extension of our undergraduate offerings in biochemistry and molecular biology. Students planning a research career in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or structural biology will find this paper develops many of the quantitive and analytical skills needed in these fields. The course is designed to be accessible to students with a variety of backgrounds. In completing the course assignments you will learn to analyze the data generated by advanced biochemical and biophysical techniques.