VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

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

Molecular and Structural Biology II: Molecular Machines and Cellular Assemblies

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Kaspar Locher, Prof. Dr. Martin Pilhofer, Prof. Dr. Volodymyr Korkhov, Prof. Dr. Manuela Hospenthal

Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nenad Ban, Prof. Dr. Eilika Weber-Ban, Prof. Dr. Kaspar Locher, Prof. Dr. Martin Pilhofer, Prof. Dr. Volodymyr Korkhov, Prof. Dr. Stefanie Jonas, Prof. Dr. Manuela Hospenthal, Prof. Dr. Michal Wieczorek

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

VVZ CR n/a

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

Abstract

This course on advanced topics in molecular biology and biochemistry covers the structure and function of large cellular protein assemblies. The lecturers will cover topics including membrane proteins, protein glycosylation, horizonal gene transfer, microbial cytomotive filaments, and microbial contractile injection systems.

Objective

Students will gain a deep understanding of large cellular assemblies and the structure-function relationships governing their function in fundamental cellular processes. Some lectures will be complemented by exercises and discussions.

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

Lecture materials will be uploaded on the corresponding Moodle page.

Learning Materials (Links)

Moodle course
Moodle-Kurs / Moodle course

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
- Third Year Courses
  - Concept Courses
Biology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - 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 Major: Molecular and Structural Biology
      - Compulsory Concept Courses
    - Elective Major: Biological Chemistry
      - Elective Concept Courses
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2023)
  - Majors
    - Major in Biochemistry
      - Elective Compulsory Concept Courses (See D-BIOL Master Studies Guide)
      - Elective Concept Courses
    - Major in Biological Chemistry
      - Elective Concept Courses
    - Major in Microbiology and Immunology
      - Elective Concept Courses
    - Major in Molecular and Structural Biology
      - Compulsory Concept Courses
    - Elective Major: Molecular Plant Biology
      - Elective Compulsory Concept Courses (See D-BIOL Master Studies Guide)
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.)
  - Biology (At least 10 ECTS need to be acquired in this category.)
Human Medicine Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2022)
  - Compensatory Courses
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Courses in Medical Sciences
    - Compensatory Courses
Biochemistry – Chemical Biology Bachelor
- Second and Third Year Core Courses
  - Examination Blocks
    - Examination Block III