Biophysics - 2023 Spring Semester

This course is intended for graduate students and 3rd year undergraduates or higher with an interest in analytical or physical biochemistry. In this course we will survey modern biophysical techniques for the characterization of biological macromolecules in the solution state. We will cover modern solution-based methods and computational techniques, and discuss practical applications of these techniques to current problems in biophysics, biochemistry, structural- and molecular biology, and provide a comprehensive introduction into physical biochemistry. Students will gain insight in how these methods can be used for problem solving in modern research.

The course will be presented via video conference (using Zoom, click to download client, login to this conference: https://umontana.zoom.us/j/94673977726?pwd=TjJYVDNTeEhnYjZxbzBUcTB5RjFsQT09, or enter the Meeting ID 946 7397 7726 with passcode 190719 into your zoom client directly, additional login details can be found here) in collaboration between the University of Montana in Missoula and the University of Lethbridge in Alberta. The course will be team-taught by experts in nuclear magnetic resonance, fluorescence spectroscopy, small angle X-ray/neutron scattering, molecular dynamics, and analytical ultracentrifugation. The course will be graded based on 5 homework sets and one 30 minute presentation on an assigned paper, there will not be any midterm or final exam. The class is coordinated with the academic calendars of the University of Montana and the University of Lethbridge, with lectures as listed in the class schedule.

This is a unique course in that it is jointly offered by the University of Montana and the University of Lethbridge. While significant efforts have been made to attend to the academic schedule and assessment policies of both institutions, there is a need for some flexibility with respect to course scheduling (both within the term and the final examination period). Students should therefore review the course schedule and requirements alongside with their commitments in other courses and identify any concerns early in the semester.

For more information about this course please contact the instructors:

University of Lethbridge:

Dr. Borries Demeler (demeler@gmail.com) – Analytical ultracentrifugation

Dr. Klara Briknarova (klara.briknarova@umontana.edu) – Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Dr. Emre Brookes (emre.brookes@umontana.edu) – Small angle X-ray and neutron scattering
Dr. Travis Hughes (travis.hughes@umontana.edu) - Molecular Dynamics
Dr. Sandy Ross (sandy.ross@umontana.edu) - Fluorescence and UV spectroscopy

Class materials will be made available in the download archive

University of Lethbridge Policy on Disability:

As provided in the Assessment of Student Learning Policy of the University of Lethbridge, Dr. Demeler is open to working through such instances, in cooperation with the student, to find resolution which does not unfairly disadvantage the student.

EDI Statement:

The course directors are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and access for all students in this course. We support racial justice on campus involving students, staff, and faculty, and endorse the existing equity-related policies, programs, and services for marginalized and vulnerable populations. We endeavour to engage with you in a safe and welcoming learning environment.

University of Montana Policy: Disability: equal access to instruction is provided through collaboration between students with disabilities, instructors, and Disability Services for Students. If you might have a disability that can affect your academic performance adversely, and you have not already registered with Disability Services, please contact Disability Services in Lommasson Center 154, (406)-243-2243. Dr. Briknarova will work with you and Disability Services to provide appropriate accommodation. Academic misconduct: All students must be familiar with the Student conduct code.

FOIP Statement

Please note that the Zoom classes in this course will be recorded and will posted online following the course. Each student in this course has the freedom to choose to have their cameras and microphones on or off during class.

Protection of Privacy - The personal information requested is collected under the authority of Section 33 (c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“Act”) and will be protected under Part 2 of the Act. The information is collected for the purpose of posting lecture and class video/audio recordings of each class online. If you have any inquiries in regards to the collection of your personal information, please direct those inquiries to: FOIP Coordinator, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr. West, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, telephone: 403-332-4620, email: foip@uleth.ca.