SubjectsSubjects(version: 982)
Course, academic year 2026/2027
  
   
Modern instrumental methods of strucutral biology - M320023
Title: Moderní instrumentální metody strukturní biologie
Guaranteed by: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (320)
Faculty: Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology
Actual: from 2026 to 2026
Semester: winter
Points: winter s.:3
E-Credits: winter s.:3
Examination process: winter s.:
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:0/3, MC [HT]
Capacity: unknown / unknown (unknown)Schedule is not published yet, this information might be misleading.
Min. number of students: unlimited
State of the course: taught
Language: Czech
Teaching methods: full-time
Level:  
Guarantor: Hrabal Richard prof. Ing. CSc.
Classification: Biology > Theoretical Biology
Interchangeability : N320087
Examination dates   Schedule   
This subject contains the following additional online materials
Annotation -
The main goal of the course is to teach students the fundaments of modern instrumental techniques like mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, optical and electron microscopy, surface plasmon resonance and their applications in biochemistry. microbiology and other biological sciences. Introductory lectures cover methods of visualisation of biomolecules, computational methods and work with databases.
Last update: Prchal Jan (10.02.2026)
Course completion requirements -

To pass the exam the students have to complete successfuly a written test with a score of at least 50%.

Last update: Prchal Jan (11.02.2026)
Literature -

Z: https://clab.vscht.cz/nmr/vyuka/struktbio

D: Renaud J.-P.: Structural Biology in Drug Discovery, 2020, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 9781118681015 (available via NTK)

D: Spence J.C.H. High-resolution electron microscopy. 2013, 4th. ed. Oxford University Press, ISBN: 0199668639 (available via NTK)

Last update: Hrabal Richard (05.05.2025)
Teaching methods -

The course is realized in the form of lectures. Students work on their own project during the course, the successful completion of which contributes to the evaluation.

Last update: Hrabal Richard (05.05.2025)
Requirements to the exam -

The course is concluded with a graded credit in the form of a written test, which must be scored at least 50%. The final assessment can be improved by an oral interview.

Last update: Prchal Jan (11.02.2026)
Syllabus -

1. Structural databases, basic operations with biomolecular structures, molecular electrostatics

2. Prediction of protein structures, docking, virtual screening

3. Molecular mechanics, QM/MM, molecular dynamics, protein folding

4. Bases of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, (NMR), chemical shift, coupling constant, instrumental equipment

5. Technology of structure determination of proteins and their complexes, study of dynamical behavior. Practical examples of using NMR

6. Introduction to X-ray crystallography, crystal preparation

7. Diffraction theory, collection of diffraction data, phase problem, structure determination. Model construction, structure validation

8. Principles and basic techniques of electron microscopy, TEM, SEM and their using in biological sciences

9. Atomic force microscopy AFM, scanning probe microscopy SPM, scanning tunneling microscopy STM

10. Introduction to protein mass spectrometry, ionizations techniques, detectors, fragmentation techniques

11. Applications of MS in biological sciences (molecular mass determination, protein identification, sequential analysis…. Practical examples of using MS)

12. Optical microscopy

13. Superresolution microscopy

14. Surface plasmon resonance

Last update: Prchal Jan (11.02.2026)
Learning resources -

Computing methods: http://web.vscht.cz/spiwokv/modelovani/

NMR: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_magnetic_resonance

Last update: Spiwok Vojtěch (09.08.2023)
Learning outcomes -

Students will be able to:

Computational methods: visualization of biomolecules and their manipulation, basics of computational methods and working with databases.

NMR: basics of NMR spectroscopy and the use of the method for solving spatial structures of proteins, oligonucleotides, mapping their mutual interactions, and further use of the method for studying the physicochemical properties of biologically active substances.

EM: basic characteristics and principles of electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy, including theoretical sample preparation and analysis of obtained data.

X-ray: preparation of crystals, physical principles of the method, technology for solving structures of biomolecules.

MS: basics of mass spectrometry, overview of methods and their use for studying biomolecules.

SPR: basics of the method and its use for studying complexes.

Optical microscopy: basics of confocal microscopy, high-resolution microscopy.

Last update: Prchal Jan (11.02.2026)
Entry requirements -

Students should have basic knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry, especially biochemistry and instrumental analysis.

Last update: Hrabal Richard (05.05.2025)
Teaching methods
Activity Credits Hours
Konzultace s vyučujícími 0.2 5
Účast na přednáškách 1.5 42
Příprava na přednášky, semináře, laboratoře, exkurzi nebo praxi 0.2 5
Příprava na zkoušku a její absolvování 1.1 30
3 / 3 82 / 84
Coursework assessment
Form Significance
Report from individual projects 10
Examination test 90

 
VŠCHT Praha