Experimental biochemistry and biophysics

Summary

A seven-week laboratory course (4 h+8 h per week) in which students construct, modify and screen microbial sensor strains from defined DNA parts. Proteins are heterologously expressed and purified, then characterized biochemically and spectroscopically. Final reporting in scientific article format.

Content

Keywords

Molecular biology, DNA cloning
Protein expression and purification
Biochemical and biophysical characterization
Sensor strains and proteins
Scientific reporting

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Understanding of general concepts of biochemistry (e.g. CH-210 Biochemistry), including: DNA and RNA, recombinant protein expression, DNA and protein analysis (chromatography and electrophoresis), enzyme catalysis and kinetics, absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Learning Outcomes

• Design and implement a DNA cloning strategy
• Assess / Evaluate DNA assemblies by sequencing
• Analyze strain variants in vivo
• Characterize purified proteins in vitro
• Characterize sensor function
• Integrate good laboratory behavior and wet lab practice
• Assess / Evaluate scientific data critically
• Report in scientific format and maintain a high-quality laboratory notebook

Teaching methods

Discussion of experimental approaches, progress, and results
Laboratory experimentation

Expected student activities

Good theoretical preparation and planning of laboratory work before conducting experiments, thorough execution of experiments, good organization and a detailed, well-maintained lab book; respecting laboratory safety regulations. Thorough analysis of results and a written scientific report.

Assessment methods

Evaluation of subject-matter comprehension, preparation and planning of experiments through discussion

Evaluation of experimental execution, including adherence to good laboratory practices

Evaluation of final report, including: paper-style format, data quality, data analysis and presentation, critical thinking, comparison to and citation of relevant scientific literature

Supervision

Resources

Notes/Handbook

Course manual and additional information via Moodle.

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/CH-319

Prerequisite for

Highly recommended as preparation for MSc-level courses (e.g. BIOENG-408 Synthetic and Applied Microbiology) and for semester or diploma projects in chemical biology, synthetic biology, and biophysics.