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551-1403-00L 6 Credits BSC D-BIOL
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Imaging Bacterial Cells in a Native State by Electron Cryotomography

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Martin Pilhofer
Number of participants limited to 15. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:41

Abstract

The goal is to acquire the techniques to image bacteria by electron cryotomography, resolving their structure in a native state, in 3D, and to macromolecular resolution. In a small group, students will perform wet lab experiments, data collection with stat-of-the-art equipment, data processing and analyses. The key method and its application in bacterial cell biology will be introduced by lectures

Objective

Students will acquire the skills to cultivate bacteria, plunge-freeze samples for cryotomography, collect data using an electron cryomicroscope, process raw data, analyze tomograms, perform subtomogram averaging, model structures of interest, and generate movies for visualization. https://www.mol.biol.ethz.ch/groups/pilhofer_group/

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
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 Imaging Bacterial Cells in a Native State by Electron Cryotomography
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Block course in the 4th quarter of the autumn semester
  • Tue 12:45-16:30 (HPK F 6)
  • Wed 07:45-16:30 (HPK F 6)
  • Thu 07:45-16:30 (HPK F 6)
  • Fri 07:45-16:30 (HPK F 6)
100 h semesterly

Offered In