96049 - Spectroscopic Methods for the Functional and Structural Characterization of Proteins

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module the student knows the theoretical principles at the basis of the modern spectroscopic methods employed in structural and functional characterisation of proteins. She/he is able to contextualise these methods in applied examples and to properly select the most efficient spectroscopic approach to investigate the functional or structural property of interest.

Course contents

To profitably follow the course the student should have some background in biochemistry, chemical physics, and physics.

It is not mandatory to attend all the lessons of the course.

- Introductory notions. Photoelectric effect and the photon theory of light. Black body radiation. Planck's quantum hypothesis. Wave nature of matter. The Heisenberg uncertainty principle.

- General aspects of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and a molecular system.

- Spectroscopy and spectral regions. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. Electronic transitions in biological molecules. The free electron model of polyenes. Spectrophotometry in the study of proteins and nucleic acids.

- Fluorescence spectroscopy. Energy transfer. FRET.

- Principles of Raman and infrared spectroscopy.

- Introduction to magnetic resonance: NMR and EPR spectroscopy.

- Advanced spectroscopic methods: ENDOR, Moessbauer, time resolved spectroscopies, single molecule spectroscopy.

Readings/Bibliography

The teacher will provide the PowerPoint presentations used during the course.

For the introductory part of the course:

Douglas C. Giancoli. FISICA. Principi ed Applicazioni. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (Milano).

Reference textbooks:

(a) C.R. Cantor, P.R. Schimmel. Biophysical Chemistry. II. Techniques for the study of biological structure and function. W.H. Freeman and Co. (San Francisco)

(b) R. Chang, Chimica Fisica, Vol. 2, Zanichelli

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures. During the lectures the teacher will present the contents using PowerPoint presentations that will be provided to the students. Questions during lectures and discussion of the presented topics will be encouraged. Attendance of lectures is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended, as the contents will be presented in details.

Assessment methods

The examination is oral and aims to ascertain the attainment of the following, main didactic objectives:

(a) the knowledge of the basic principles of the spectroscopic methods presented in the lectures;

(b) the knowledge of the potentialities of the handled spectroscopic approaches in biological and biochemical studies;

(c) the ability of analyzing and discussing spectroscopic results in the context of the scientific literature in the fields of biology, biochemistry, and biophysics.

The exam consists in the presentation and discussion of a first argument chosen by the candidate, followed by a colloquium on arguments treated during the course; usually two additional questions are made on the arguments treated during the course. The oral exam usually lasts 30-40 minutes.

Not sufficient: significant gaps in the course content; insufficient knowledge of basic biochemistry, particularly regarding macromolecules and protein biochemistry; use of language inappropriate for a scientific context; lack of orientation within the course topics.

Sufficient: Use of only marginally appropriate language; difficulty in articulating arguments relevant to the exam topics; the candidate is able to discuss the essential content only when guided by the instructor.

Good: Memorized knowledge of the topics covered in the course; difficulty in connecting different concepts and topics discussed during lectures; fair ability to synthesize; use of technically correct scientific language.

Excellent: Ability to contextualize course knowledge within a broader framework and to establish meaningful connections between concepts; strong argumentative skills and clear understanding of the topics; extensive and accurate use of scientific and technical language.

Note: A solid understanding of the fundamentals of macromolecular biochemistry and protein biochemistry is required to properly frame the course topics.

Students have the right to reject the proposed positive grade once (in accordance with the University Teaching Regulations, ART.16, paragraph 5).

Students with special needs and/or certifications are invited to contact the teacher by e-mail, inserting the DSA service into Cc (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it )

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Students recognized as “working students”: please consult the dedicated website (https://www.unibo.it/en/study/guide-to-choosing-your-programme/balancing-study-and-work ) to apply for this status and to learn about the available measures.

Teaching tools

Personal computer, digital projector, PowerPoint presentations, blackboard.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Malferrari