Hoos’ List

A journal club. Students present recent research papers in biophysics and/or report on progress of their own research projects. Students learn how to effectively read, critique, and present science research progress.

Designed on an individual basis, students who have deficiencies in particular areas pertaining to biophysics will be advised by a faculty member to read texts in that area and will discuss the contents with the faculty mentor on a regular basis.

A seminar series comprised of 45-minute informal talks given by students, faculty, and guest speakers.

A detailed introduction into macromolecular X-ray crystallography and cryo electron microscopy. The course will cover principles of diffraction physics, crystallographic symmetry, diffraction data collection and processing, as well as model building and refinement. This session also includes a series of hands-on session where students process and interpret diffraction data.

A detailed introduction into macromolecular X-ray crystallography and cryo electron microscopy. The course will introduce electron microscopy, sample preparation and data collection, as well as single particle and helical data processing. The course is required for graduate students within the Biophysics and Physiology program.

Exploration of magnetic resonance spectroscopy as it is applied to biopolymers. The first module will cover principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) will be covered, including basic principles, homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR methods. Prerequisite: BIOP 8201/8301, Biophysical Principles

Exploration of magnetic resonance spectroscopy as it is applied to biopolymers. Data collection for structure determination, residual dipolar couplings, approaches to large systems, and the use of NMR to deduce information about the dynamic behavior of proteins will be covered. Finally, principles of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy will be presented. Prerequisite: BIOP 8030, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Macromolecules I

The course offers in depth coverage of theory and practical applications of electron microscopy methods in structure determination of biological macromolecules and their complexes. Topics : the history of electron microscopy, imaging and scattering, electron diffraction, CTF and new technologies. Prerequisite: BIOP 8201/8301, Biophysical Principles

The course offers in depth coverage of theory and practical applications of cryo-electron microscopy methods in determination biological macromolecules and their complexes. Topics of the second module will cover: sample preparation, cryo and negative staining techniques, tomography, single particle approaches and helical or 2D analyses. Students will complete problem sets with their own data. Prerequisite: BIOP 8040, Biomolecular Electron Microscopy I

The course will introduce students to fundamentals of X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, two complementary methods that provide insights into the structure and dynamics of biological macromolecules. Both methods can provide 3D structural information and NMR can also be used to understand the role of dynamics in function. Reading of the primary literature will be a significant component of the course. Prerequisites: BIMS 6000, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Calculus

The course will provide in-depth assessment of the structure and function of biological membranes and membrane proteins. Emphasis will be placed on biophysical and approaches. The primary literature will be the main source of reading. The course will run as a colloquium with the instructors introducing a different topic at each session and students presenting relevant papers. Prerequisite: BIOP 8201/8301, Biophysical Principles

This course will introduce students to some of the physical and chemical underpinnings of molecular biophysics. Physical principles will be discussed and related to how they govern biological systems and how they enable important biophysical techniques. Topics: Equilibrium thermodynamics: mean behavior of ensembles at equilibrium, and Biological fluctuations: deviations from the mean Prerequisite: BIMS 6000

Development of faster and high-power biophysical methods has enabled scientists to study the structure, properties, dynamics and function of biomolecules at an atomic or molecular level and has revolutionized the field of biophysics. This module will introduce cutting-edge biophysical techniques and tools and how those could be useful for their own research. Relevant papers highlighting the applications will be discussed.

The course will provide in-depth assessment of the structural biology of membrane proteins. Emphasis will be placed on the methodologies of solving membrane protein structure. The primary literature will be the main source of reading. The course will run as a colloquium with the instructors introducing a different topic at each session and students presenting relevant papers. The students will create a grant proposal for the final project. Prerequisite: BIOP 8130, Structure-Function of Biological Membranes

New course in the subject of biophysics.

Independent study, other than non-topical research, for course credits.

For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

For doctoral research, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.