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 Data might be outdated or incorrect.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

529-0739-01L 6 Credits BSC D-BIOL
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Biological Chemistry B: New Enzymes from Directed Evolution Experiments

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Donald Hilvert, Prof. Dr. Peter Andreas Kast
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:23:45

Abstract

During the block course in the fall semester, we will carry out biological-chemical enzyme evolution experiments using molecular genetic mutation technologies and in vivo selection in recombinant bacterial strains. The class with its very dense program consists of the practical course itself and an integrated series of seminar/lecture sessions.

Objective

All technologies used for the experiments will be explained to the students in theory and in practice with the goal that they will be able to independently apply them for the course project and in future research endeavors. After the course, an individual report about the results obtained has to be prepared.

Content

The class deals with a specifically designed and genuine research project. We intend to carry out biological-chemical enzyme evolution experiments using molecular genetic mutation technologies and in vivo selection in recombinant bacterial strains. By working in parallel, teams of 2 participants each will generate a variety of different variants of a catalyst. Individual proteins will be purified and subsequently characterized using several different spectroscopic methods. The detailed chemical-physical analyses include determination of the enzymes' kinetic parameters and the integrity of the secondary structure. The results obtained from the individual evolution experiments will be compared and discussed at the end of the class in a final seminar. We expect that during this lab course we will not only generate novel enzymes, but also gain new insights into the reaction mechanism of the investigated catalyst.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A script will be distributed to the participants on the first day of the course.

Literature

Will be indicated in the distributed script.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Kreditpunkte werden nur erteilt, wenn der Kandidat/die Kandidatin (i) aktiv am gesamten Block-Programm teilnimmt, (ii) einen Schlussbericht einreicht und (iii) mindestens die Schlussnote 4 erhält (Skala 1-6; 6 ist die beste Note). Die Note misst die Gesamtleistung jedes Teilnehmers und basiert je zu einem Drittel auf (1) Einsatz/Beteiligung, (2) Fähigkeiten und (3) Qualität des Berichts. Weitere Details werden den Studierenden zu Beginn der Veranstaltung mitgeteilt.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Biological Chemistry B: New Enzymes from Directed Evolution Experiments
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Blockkurs im 3. Viertel des Herbstsemesters (4.11.08 - 26.11.08). Beschränkt auf max. 12 Teilnehmende Räume: Theorie: Wird noch bekannt gegeben. Kursraum: HCI E 392 Informationen zu Anmeldung und Arbeitszeiten:
  • Tue 12:45-16:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Wed 07:45-16:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Thu 07:45-16:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Fri 07:45-16:30 (HCI E 392)
  • 26.11 Date 14:45-17:30 (HCI H 2.1)
100 h semesterly

Offered In