Techniques in Structural Molecular Biology (Postgraduate Certificate using the Internet)
ObjectivesThis programme introduces you to the theory and applications of the main techniques used in current structural biology. It is a stand-alone programme, but can form the second year of the MSc Structural Biology using the Internet. The Advanced Certificate is suitable for scientists wishing to update their knowledge of this area. It can also be taken as background studies for research students, especially if your undergraduate studies were in a different area. The programme is taught entirely using the Internet. After an introduction to effective studying on the Internet, you will follow course material on a range of techniques and look at some of the landmark structures and papers. As long as you have access to a standard PC or workstation, and an Internet connection, you can undertake this programme from home, work or another university, whether in the UK or abroad. Note: the Postgraduate Certificate in Protein Crystallography offers a more detailed treatment of protein crystallography.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Degree in science, computing or mathematics, or equivalent qualification or relevant work experience.
Academic titleTechniques in Structural Molecular Biology (Postgraduate Certificate using the Internet)
Course descriptionThis course has been designed for scientists wishing to update their knowledge, or as part of the background studies of research students, particularly those whose undergraduate studies were in a different area. As a student, you will learn:
-Techniques for DNA manipulation
-Protein expression and purification
-Structure determination by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and NMR
-Protein spectroscopy
-Bioinformatics as applied to this area
-Distance learning course
TSMB is a distance learning course. All teaching is carried out via the internet. The only equipment required is a standard PC or workstation and an Internet connection.
Modular structure
TSMB may be taken as a stand-alone Postgraduate Certificate or as part of the School of Crystallography's innovative distance learning MSc in Structural Molecular Biology.
The programme of study has a modular structure and operates under the Birkbeck Common Awards Scheme, one module being worth 30 credits. Students gain 60 credits on completion of the TSMB Postgraduate Certificate. In order to gain an MSc in Structural Molecular Biology students must earn 180 credits.
Why study Techniques in Structural Molecular Biology?
Structural Biology allows you to understand how macromolecules work at the atomic level of detail. This is important particularly in designing drugs which act at the molecular level to affect macromolecules. Increasingly research uses a range of complementary biophysical and structural techniques to study protein-protein interactions. This requires that researchers have some understanding of what all these techniques can achieve. This postgraduate course is designed to give the theoretical background required to use this range of methods.