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551-1556-00L 6 Credits BSC , NDS D-CHAB , D-BIOL , D-PHYS

Structure Determination by Cryo-EM: Data Processing and Analysis

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Kaspar Locher, Dr. Julia Kowal
Number of participants limited to 15 The block course will only take place with a minimum of 4 participants. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:04

Abstract

This course will introduce the students to high-resolution structure determination using single particle cryo-electron microscopy, one of the key techniques for determining structures of biological macromolecules

Objective

The goal of this course is to provide the students with the opportunity to pursue the processing of cryo-EM data and to gain experience in the building and refinement of an atomic model of a protein.

Content

The students will receive a demonstration of sample vitrification and sample imaging using a cryo-electron microscope. The students will then use a pre-recorded data set to perform the calculations involved in determining the 3D structure of a model protein. Students will learn how to build an atomic model into their electron density maps, how to refine and analyze this model, and how to present their structural data. The following software packages will be used: CryoSPARC, Coot, Phenix, Pymol, ChimeraX.

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Students are obliged to be present throughout the block course.Cancellation: If you have to deregister from a course that has been assigned to you (just emergency reasons), please notify in written the course coordinator at least four weeks before the course starts, for courses in the 1st quarter, a cancellation period of one week applies. The study secretariat D-BIOL must also be informed (email CC [email protected]) so that the enrollment is deleted. Otherwise the course is considered as "failed".

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Structure Determination by Cryo-EM: Data Processing and Analysis
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Block course in the 3rd quarter of the spring semester
  • Tue 12:45-16:30 (HPK D 15)
  • Wed 07:45-16:30 (HPK D 15)
  • Thu 07:45-16:30 (HPK D 15)
  • Fri 07:45-16:30 (HPK D 15)
100 h semesterly

Offered In