Principles and Methods in Biophysical Chemistry

3 credits

This course is an introduction to the key principles and experimental methods of contemporary biophysics and biophysical chemistry. The course primarily discusses the structures and dynamics of biomolecules (such as nucleic acids and proteins), including the biophysical principles and measurements for biomolecular folding/unfolding, as well as determination of biomolecular structure and dynamics by methods such as X-ray crystallography, cryogenic electron microscopy, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. Critical evaluations of determined structures by selected methods and applications of structural biology will be emphasized. The course will also cover principles and methods for determining ligand binding to biological macromolecules.