Selected Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology

Molecular and chemical basis of biological processes (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids); basics of physical chemistry; obtaining biochemical compounds in the laboratory (protein purification, protein analytics, protein synthesis with molecular biology methods); bioenergetics; selected topics in molecular cell biology

After successful completion of the module the students are able to

• know the biochemical composition of living organisms and the nature of its components.
• grasp quantitative connections of growth an maintainance of living cells.
• know the essential laboratory methods.
• to get an overview of current research problems.

No preconditions in addition to the requirements for the Master’s program in Physics.

The lecture presents the subjects of the course in a systematic form. Interactive discussions highlight the core issues. Problems of fundamental or biomedical relevance are treated in exercises, and - where it makes sense - will be deepended by practical applications. Exercises lead the participants towards own solutions of applied issues.

Lecture and accompanying script, demonstration of quantitative relations in Mathematica, exercises

The necessary literature will be provided via the Moodle site.

There will be an oral exam of 30 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.

For example an assignment in the exam might be:

• Define what pH means, and describe how the pH relates to the isoelectric point of a protein!
• Explain the stereochemistry of natural amino acids!
• Which ways can living organsims use to acquire energy, and in which forms is the energy transformed or stored?

Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.