Structural Bioinformatics of Proteins (Writing Intensive)

4 units

In this course-based research experience (CURE), students engage in authentic, open-ended research using high-quality, experimentally determined, three-dimensional structural coordinates. Working collaboratively, students use cutting-edge bioinformatics tools and methods to evaluate and analyze structural datasets whose functions are not fully characterized. Topics include structural validation, protein structure prediction, domain and motif recognition, secondary structure prediction, protein–protein and protein–ligand interactions, protein and structure-based sequence alignments, electrostatic interactions, and molecular docking. Students iteratively refine their analyses and interpretations and communicate their findings in the form of a scientific manuscript; exceptional manuscripts will be submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal for publication. Fulfills the upper-level laboratory requirement for the biology major. Check section description for the latest lab enrollment link.