Frédéric Allain: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021 |
Name | Prof. Dr. Frédéric Allain |
Field | Biomolecular NMR |
Address | Institut für Biochemie ETH Zürich, HPP L 14.1 Hönggerbergring 64 8093 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
Telephone | +41 44 633 39 40 |
Fax | +41 44 633 12 94 |
allain@bc.biol.ethz.ch | |
Department | Biology |
Relationship | Full Professor |
Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
551-0126-00L | Fundamentals of Biology II: Cells | 6 credits | 5G | K. Weis, F. Allain, Y. Barral, W.‑D. Hardt, U. Kutay, M. Peter, I. Zemp | |
Abstract | The lecture provides an introduction to the function and regulations of cells. | ||||
Learning objective | Introduction to the function and regulation of cells | ||||
Content | The lecture introduces a basic understanding of the structure, organization, function and regulation of the cell. The lecture is divided into two main sections: Part 1: Cell Biology of Prokaryotes, evolution, populations This section covers the general principles of the structure and regulation of prokaryotic cells, and explains the genetics and the evolution of bacteria. Part II: Unifying concepts in Eukarya This part of the lecture gives a broad introduction into the general structure of eukaryotic cells and illustrates key concepts such as intracellular architecture, transport mechanisms and the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. | ||||
Lecture notes | The newly conceived lecture is supported by scripts. | ||||
Literature | The lecture is supported by scripts. Furthermore, the textbook "Molecular Biology of the Cell", Alberts et al. 6th edition, Taylor and Francis, and "Brock Biology of Microorganisms", Madigan et al. 15th edition, Pearson can be used as support for the lecture. | ||||
551-0307-01L | Molecular and Structural Biology II: Molecular Machines and Cellular Assemblies D-BIOL students are obliged to take part I and part II as a two-semester course. | 3 credits | 2V | N. Ban, F. Allain, S. Jonas, M. Pilhofer | |
Abstract | This course on advanced topics in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry will cover the structure and function of cellular assemblies. General topics in basic biochemistry will be further developed with examples of the function of large cellular machines involved in DNA packaging, translation, virus architecture, RNA processing, cell-cell interactions, and the molecular basis of CRISPER systems. | ||||
Learning objective | Students will gain a deep understanding of large cellular assemblies and the structure-function relationships governing their function in fundamental cellular processes. The lectures throughout the course will be complemented by exercises and discussions of original research examples to provide students with a deeper understanding of the subjects and to encourage active student participation. | ||||
Content | Advanced class covering the state of the research in structural molecular biology of basic cellular processes with emphasis on the function of large cellular assemblies. | ||||
Lecture notes | Updated handouts will be provided during the class. | ||||
Literature | The lecture will be based on the latest literature. Additional suggested literature: Branden, C., and J. Tooze, Introduction to Protein Structure, 2nd ed. (1995). Garland, New York. | ||||
551-0434-00L | NMR Spectroscopy in Biology Number of participants limited to 6. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration. General safety regulations for all block courses: -Whenever possible the distance rules have to be respected -All students have to wear masks throughout the course. Please keep reserve masks ready. Surgical masks (IIR) or medical grade masks (FFP2) without a valve are permitted. Community masks (fabric masks) are not allowed. -The installation and activation of the Swiss Covid-App is highly encouraged -Any additional rules for individual courses have to be respected -Students showing any COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to enter ETH buildings and have to inform the course responsible | 6 credits | 7P | F. Allain, A. D. Gossert, K. Wüthrich | |
Abstract | In this block course, students actively participate in ongoing research projects in the research groups of Profs. Allain, Wüthrich and Dr. Gossert. The students will be tutored in their experimental work by experienced postdoc students. In addition, the course includes specific lectures that provide the theoretical background for the experimental work, as well as exercises and literature work. | ||||
Learning objective | The course provides first "hands on" insight into applications of NMR spectroscopy in biological sciences. The course should enable the students to understand the potential and limitations of NMR applied to biological problems. | ||||
Content | The topics include studies of proteins, RNA and protein-RNA interactions, Participation in one of the following projects will be possible: - NMR of RNA - NMR of several protein-RNA complexes (hnRNPF, nPTB, SR proteins) - NMR studies of protein-ligand interactions - dynamics of protein-RNA complexes - Segmental isotopic labeling to study multidomain proteins - NMR Methods Development | ||||
Lecture notes | No script | ||||
Literature | Lists of individual reading assignments will be handed out. | ||||
551-1312-00L | RNA-Biology II Number of participants limited to 14. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration. General safety regulations for all block courses: -Whenever possible the distance rules have to be respected -All students have to wear masks throughout the course. Please keep reserve masks ready. Surgical masks (IIR) or medical grade masks (FFP2) without a valve are permitted. Community masks (fabric masks) are not allowed. -The installation and activation of the Swiss Covid-App is highly encouraged -Any additional rules for individual courses have to be respected -Students showing any COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to enter ETH buildings and have to inform the course responsible | 6 credits | 7P | S. Jonas, F. Allain, J. Corn, U. Kutay, O. Voinnet | |
Abstract | Introduction to the diversity of current RNA-research at all levels from structural biology to systems biology using mainly model systems like S. cerevisiae (yeast), mammalian cells. | ||||
Learning objective | The students will obtain an overview about the diversity of current RNA-research. They will learn to design experiments and use techniques necessary to analyze different aspects of RNA biology. Through lectures and literature seminars, they will learn about the burning questions of RNA research and discuss approaches to address these questions experimentally. In practical lab projects the students will work in one of the participating laboratories. Finally, they will learn how to present and discuss their data in an appropriate manner. Student assessment is a graded semester performance based on individual performance in the laboratory, the written exam and the project presentation. | ||||
Lecture notes | Relevant material from the lectures will be made available during the course via the corresponding Moodle page. | ||||
Literature | Documentation and recommended literature will be provided at the beginning and during the course. | ||||
551-1414-00L | Molecular and Structural Biology V: Studying Macromolecules by NMR and EPR | 4 credits | 2V | F. Allain, A. D. Gossert, G. Jeschke, K. Wüthrich | |
Abstract | The course provides an overview of experimental methods for studying function and structure of macromolecules at atomic resolution in solution. The two main methods used are Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. | ||||
Learning objective | Insight into the methodology, areas of application and limitations of these two methods for studying biological macromolecules. Practical exercises with spectra to have hands on understanding of the methodology. | ||||
Content | Part I: Historical overview of structural biology. Part II: Basic concepts of NMR and initial examples of applications. 2D NMR and isotope labeling for studying protein function and molecular interactions at atomic level. Studies of dynamic processes of proteins in solution. Approaches to study large particles. Methods for determination of protein structures in solution. Part III: NMR methods for structurally characterizing RNA and protein-RNA complexes. Part IV: EPR of biomolecules | ||||
Literature | 1) Wüthrich, K. NMR of Proteins and Nucleic Acids, Wiley-Interscience. 2) Dominguez et al, Prog Nucl Magn Reson Spectrosc. 2011 Feb;58(1-2):1-61. 3) Duss O et al, Methods Enzymol. 2015;558:279-331. | ||||
551-1620-00L | Molecular Biology, Biophysics | 1 credit | 1K | R. Glockshuber, F. Allain, N. Ban, K. Locher, E. Weber-Ban, K. Wüthrich | |
Abstract | The course consists of a series of research seminars on Structural Biology and Biophysics, given by both scientists of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) in Structural Biology and external speakers. | ||||
Learning objective | The goal of this course is to provide doctoral and postdoctoral students with a broad overview on the most recent developments in biochemistry, structural biology and biophysics. | ||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Information on the individual seminars is provided on the following websites: http://www.structuralbiology.unizh.ch/events005.asp http://www.biol.ethz.ch/dbiol-cal/index |