Description: Recent breakthroughs in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have transformed molecular biosciences and revolutionized the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries by providing remarkable insights into the structure and dynamics of biomolecules at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution - a fact recognized by the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This course will introduce the theory and practice of modern, continually evolving cryo-EM methods and provide an overview of their applications to current research challenges in molecular biosciences.
Structure: Lectures and presentations will be followed by informal discussions of the material covered and its applications to students’ projects. The course will also include a tour of the cryo-EM facility at the Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine at Rutgers. This 1-credit mini course serves as a theoretical introduction to a broader course on Structural Biophysics (undergraduate code 11:115:485:01; graduate code 16:682:532:01), where, in addition to learning theory, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in cryo-EM sample preparation and determine a high-resolution cryo-EM structure using a high-performance supercomputer.
Outcome: Upon completing this course, students will understand the theory and practice of modern cryo-EM, critically evaluate its applications in primary research literature, and assess how cryo-EM can advance their current and future research projects.
Grading: The exam covering the theoretical portion of the course will account for 60% of the final grade. In addition, students will be required to attend one cryo-EM-related seminar and submit a written report (20%). Class participation will also contribute to the final grade (20%).
Course Materials: There will be no required textbook for this course. Students will receive handouts and be directed to selected online resources.