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551-0307-01L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-HEST , D-BIOL , D-INFK , D-BSSE

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Molecular and Structural Biology II: Molecular Machines and Cellular Assemblies

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Nenad Ban, Prof. Dr. Frédéric Allain, Prof. Dr. Martin Pilhofer, Prof. Dr. Stefanie Jonas, Prof. Dr. Manuela Hospenthal

Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Rudolf Glockshuber, Prof. Dr. Nenad Ban, Prof. Dr. Eilika Weber-Ban, Prof. Dr. Frédéric Allain, Prof. Dr. Kaspar Locher, Prof. Dr. Martin Pilhofer, Prof. Dr. Stefanie Jonas, Prof. Dr. Manuela Hospenthal

D-BIOL students are obliged to take part I and part II as a two-semester course.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:08:10

Abstract

This course on advanced topics in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry will cover the structure and function of cellular assemblies. General topics in basic biochemistry will be further developed with examples of the function of large cellular machines involved in DNA packaging, translation, virus architecture, RNA processing, cell-cell interactions, and the molecular basis of CRISPER systems.

Objective

Students will gain a deep understanding of large cellular assemblies and the structure-function relationships governing their function in fundamental cellular processes. The lectures throughout the course will be complemented by exercises and discussions of original research examples to provide students with a deeper understanding of the subjects and to encourage active student participation.

Content

Advanced class covering the state of the research in structural molecular biology of basic cellular processes with emphasis on the function of large cellular assemblies.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Updated handouts will be provided during the class.

Literature

The lecture will be based on the latest literature. Additional suggested literature: Branden, C., and J. Tooze, Introduction to Protein Structure, 2nd ed. (1995). Garland, New York.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 150 minutes
Aids: a simple non-programmable calculator

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Molecular and Structural Biology II: Molecular Machines and Cellular Assemblies	Mon 11:45-13:30 (HCI J 3)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Biology Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2013)
  - 3. Year, 6. Semester
    - Concept Courses
Biology Master
- Elective Major Subject Areas
  - Elective Major: Microbiology and Immunology
    - Elective Concept Courses
  - Elective Major: Biochemistry
    - Elective Compulsory Concept Courses (See D-BIOL Master Studies Guide)
    - Elective Concept Courses
  - Elective Major: Molecular Plant Biology
    - Elective Compulsory Concept Courses (See D-BIOL Master Studies Guide)
    - Elective Concept Courses
  - Elective Major: Molecular and Structural Biology
    - Compulsory Concept Courses
  - Elective Major: Biological Chemistry
    - Elective Concept Courses
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Master (More informations at: )
- Advanced Courses (A total of 30 ECTS needs to be acquired in the Advanced Courses category. Thereof at least 16 ECTS in the Theory and 10 ECTS in the Biology category. Note that some of the lectures are being recorded: )
  - Biology (At least 10 ECTS need to be acquired in this category.)
Human Medicine Bachelor
- Courses in Medical Sciences
  - Compensatory Courses