Structural bioinformatics

A.A. 2024/2025
6
Crediti massimi
56
Ore totali
SSD
FIS/07
Lingua
Inglese
Obiettivi formativi
The aim of the course is to provide students a thorough overview of the computational tools, and some of the underlying theory, to study the dynamics of biomolecules by computer simulation techniques. The course covers progresses in the development of atomistic, coarse-grained and quantum mechanical simulations and expand on methods for structure predictions based on statistical and evolutionary data and on hybrid methods that integrate structural biology techniques (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Small Angles X-Ray scattering, Cryo-electron microscopy) and computer simulations to increase the accuracy of computer simulations and experiments. The course is ideally linked to those dealing with protein engineering and structural biology.
Risultati apprendimento attesi
After following this course, students will know how computer simulations of biomolecules can be used to investigate biological problems at the molecular level.
Corso singolo

Questo insegnamento non può essere seguito come corso singolo. Puoi trovare gli insegnamenti disponibili consultando il catalogo corsi singoli.

Programma e organizzazione didattica

Edizione unica

Responsabile
Periodo
Primo semestre

Programma
The course focuses on the use of computer simulations to study the structure and dynamics of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, and membranes). Each topic is introduced theoretically and then learned hands-on using state-of-the-art software. Topics include: analysis, visualization and comparison of protein structures and trajectories; protein structure prediction and docking; molecular dynamics simulations (atomistic and coarse-grained); quantum chemistry simulations; free energy methods and protein design approaches. During the course, students will have the opportunity to learn how to use and manage data using Python notebooks.
Prerequisiti
None
Metodi didattici
Teaching method: 2/5: classroom lectures supported by projected material; 3/5 practical sessions in the computer lab.
Attendance: highly recommended.
Materiale di riferimento
Computer Simulations of Fluids (2nd Edition). D.J. Tildesley and M.P. Allen (Oxford)
Statistical Physics of Biomolecules, An Introduction. Zuckermann (CRC Press)

Copies of the slides projected in the classroom and other materials will be made available through the course website on the ARIEL platform of the University of Milan.
This material does not replace the lectures or a textbook. The material is made available only to enrolled students and should not be distributed to others.
Modalità di verifica dell’apprendimento e criteri di valutazione
Evaluation of the student's performance will be based on an oral examination. The student will present a scientific paper in which one or more of the techniques presented in the course have been used to address a biological problem. In addition, during the course, the student will write a report on the practical activities, and the report will be used to discuss one such practical experience. This exam allows students to test their ability to understand scientific literature based on the techniques learned during the course and to verify their practical understanding of the topic covered.
Examples of the exam will be discussed in class and made available to students.
FIS/07 - FISICA APPLICATA (A BENI CULTURALI, AMBIENTALI, BIOLOGIA E MEDICINA) - CFU: 6
Esercitazioni: 16 ore
Lezioni: 40 ore