Advanced Topics in Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics (311-430)

SCBMB faculty informs first-year students about their research activities in the first two terms. Advanced SCBMB graduate students present their research in the fourth term. The course is offered once a week for a one-hour credit for each term on Fridays from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. This course allows a broader and more even exposure of our incoming students to the faculty and our senior graduate students. Furthermore, the course provides an opportunity to our senior graduate students to talk to the fellow students and faculty. Offered in Terms 1, 2, and 4.

No exams are administered for this course. Students will be given a grade of either pass or fail. The program administrator records attendance each week.

Advanced X-ray Crystallography (311-403)

Students will learn X-ray crystallography using a “theme” protein, e.g. lysozyme, to understand the principles of X-ray crystallography. This theme protein will be used throughout the course. The course will prepare SCBMB students who come from very diverse backgrounds to understand the power of protein crystallography as an analytical tool to probe the structure-function relationship of proteins and enzymes at the molecular level. Offered in Term 4 (even years only).

Bioinformatics and Genomic Analysis (310-459J)

This course is intended to provide a background in the theory and application of standard computational methods for molecular biology research. The topics to be discussed include genetic linkage analysis, sequence comparison, phylogeny, and pattern inference and matching. The course will also address computational issues for the Human Genome Program in the areas of large-scale DNA sequencing, chromosome mapping, and gene recognition.

Computational Mathematics for Biomedical Scientists (311-401)

Introduce essential computational and mathematical concepts to students who are interested in computational biology and bioinformatics. It is intended that each of the concepts will be taught in the context of the real biological problems ranging from genomics to structural biophysics. Offered in Term 2.

Electron Cryomicroscopy for Molecules and Cells (311-410)

This course is designed to discuss in-depth theoretical and practical techniques in structural biophysics with a particular emphasis on eletron imaging and crystallography. Computer homework will be required. This course will serve the needs of students working in structural biophysics laboratories and will provide a comprehensive base knowledge. Offered in Term 4 (taught odd years only).

Molecular Biophysics (Bios 551)

Examination, at an intermediate level, of the interaction of light with matter. Includes UV-visible absorption, natural optical activity, fluorescence, EXAFS, NMR of biomolecules, x-ray diffraction and crystallography, neurtron scattering, electron microscopy, and theoretical protein dynamics. Offered in the fall semester at Rice.

Structural Basis of Human Diseases (311-423J)

This course is designed for medical and graduate students to understand the potential use of structural information for solving disease problems and to be aware of the different structural and computational tools. Each 1-hour lecture is taught jointly by two or more instructors who will present the medical problems and the structural approaches towards solving them. Attendance is required for passing the course. Offered in Term 4.