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551-0307-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC , NDS D-INFK , D-PHYS , D-BIOL , D-CHAB , D-BSSE , D-HEST

Molecular and Structural Biology I: Molecular Mechanisms of Gene Expression and Protein Biogenesis

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nenad Ban, Prof. Dr. Eilika Weber-Ban, Prof. Dr. Martin Pilhofer, Prof. Dr. Stefanie Jonas, Prof. Dr. Michal Wieczorek

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

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:29

Abstract

This Concept Course explores the molecular and structural mechanisms underlying key processes in gene expression and protein biogenesis. The course will present advanced mechanistic aspects of the organization and regulation of chromatin, transcription, RNA maturation, translation, and the pathways of protein folding, modification, trageting to membranes, and quality control.

Objective

Students will develop a mechanistic and structural understanding of how complex cellular processes - such as transcription, translation, and protein folding - are orchestraded by large molecular assemblies. The course aims to develop analytical thinking through in-depth discussions of selected research studies. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate experimental strategies and structural insights that drive our current understanding of molecular cell biology.

Resources

Lecture Notes

The material used in the course can be found on Moodle (link see "Learning materials").

Literature

Basics: - Creighton, T.E., Proteins, Freeman, (1993) - Fersht, A., Enzyme, Structure and Mechanism in Protein Science (1999), Freeman. - Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer: Biochemistry (5th edition), Freeman (2001). Current topics: References will be given during the lectures. .

General Information

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

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 75 minutes
Aids: a simple non-programmable calculator

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Molecular and Structural Biology I: Molecular Mechanisms of Gene Expression and Protein Biogenesis	No time listed	2 h weekly

Offered In

Biology Bachelor
- Third Year Courses
  - Concept Courses
Biology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2023)
  - Majors
    - Major in Microbiology and Immunology
      - Elective Concept Courses
    - Major in 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)
    - Major in Molecular and Structural Biology
      - Compulsory Concept Courses
    - Major in Biological Chemistry
      - Elective Concept Courses
MAS in Medical Physics
- Specialisation in General Medical Physics
  - Major in Molecular Biology and Biophysics
    - Electives
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Master (More information at: )
- Advanced Courses (A total of 30 ECTS must be acquired in the advanced course category. Thereof, at least 16 ECTS in the theory and at least 10 ECTS in the biology subcategory.)
  - Biology (At least 10 ECTS need to be acquired in this subcategory.)
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