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551-1609-00L 6 Credits BSC D-CHAB , D-BIOL
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Single Molecule Biophysics Studies of the Microtubule Cytoskeleton

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Michal Wieczorek
Number of participants limited to 5. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:38

Abstract

This laboratory course has a focus on current research topics in our laboratory related to microtubule nucleation and dynamics and its investigation using in vitro reconstitutions and single molecule biophysics. Projects will be conducted in small groups.

Objective

The course aims to introduce technologies to investigate cytoskeletal processes and regulation using in vitro reconstitutions and single molecule biophysics methods. The main focus of this block course is on practical work and will familiarize participnats with complementary approaches, in particular protein purification and biophysical techniques including single molecule fluorescence imaging using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) and subsequent image analysis methods. Results will be presented by students in scientific presentations. Another goal is to learn how to write a scientific report.

Content

The course will include topics such as microtubule polymerization dynamics and related ongoing research projects in the lab. Experimental work applied during the course will comprise methods such as cloning work & transformation, protein purification, single molecule fluorescence imaging using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM), and single molecule image analysis.

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Exam and other accomplishment for grading: 40% lab report, 40% presentation, 20% participation in lab discussions and lectures.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 Single Molecule Biophysics Studies of the Microtubule Cytoskeleton
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Block course in the 2nd quarter of the autumn semester
  • Tue 12:45-16:30 (HPV F 7.1)
  • Wed 07:45-16:30 (HPV F 7.1)
  • Thu 07:45-16:30 (HPV F 7.1)
  • Fri 07:45-16:30 (HPV F 7.1)
100 h semesterly

Offered In