The Biomolecular Structure Seminar series has been running every semester for the past nineteen years. The focus of the course is to discuss current advances in macromolecular structure and function. Over the years a wide range of topics have been covered including all aspects of protein and nucleic acid structure, protein folding, enzyme action, and protein evolution. This course represents a terrific opportunity to learn about the most recent progress in structural biology and to develop a critical view of the experimental methods.
Students with a broad interest in macromolecular structure are encouraged to enroll. Most students who participate in the course will present a paper that was published in the last six months. Typically the paper is chosen in consultation with one of the instructors so that it meets the interest of the student and represents a great learning opportunity for others in the course.
A major focus of this course is learning how to present a seminar in an effective manner. Each seminar is critiqued by all participants and the comments are returned to the speaker so that they can learn how to improve their speaking abilities. This provides a terrific opportunity to develop the skills that will facilitate prelim examinations, thesis presentations, and job applications. Guidelines on how to prepare the seminar and general class etiquette are provided in ¿905 Ground Rules.pdf¿.
Letter grades are assigned for the semesters in which they present a seminar. When a student attends class, but does not present a seminar, their attendance is graded on the S/U system.
Students are encouraged to contact the instructors about more information concerning this course.