Curriculum

All trainees are required to complete three core courses and one elective course in the first three years of graduate training. In addition, all trainees will be required to take a course in the ethical conduct of research and another course dealing with rigor & reproducibility in research. The required biophysics courses include an introductory-level first-year course and two advanced graduate-level courses, which may be completed in either the second or third year. The introductory core course requirement can be fulfilled in the first year on either the Evanston or Chicago campuses. A complete listing of the core and approved elective courses can be found below. Trainees are also required to participate in biophysics related activities including the monthly Biophysics Club, Seminar Series and Journal Club as well as attend the Structural Biology Summer Workshop which occurs every other year.

Core Courses (3)

• Molecular Biophysics (IBiS 401) or DGP Structural Basis of Signal Transduction (DGP 466 - Offered Every Spring - Class size limited to 6 students)
  • IBiS 401: Protein structure; nucleic acids structure; forces that determine macromolecular structure; transport and diffusion; macromolecular assemblies; molecular machines and single molecule studies; x-ray crystallography; electron microscopy and image reconstruction; nuclear magnetic resonance; spectroscopy.
  • DGP 466: The structural and thermodynamic basis by which protein- protein or protein-nucleic acid interactions mediate signal transduction. Signaling pathways used to explore how the structural biological mechanisms underlying these pathways can be experimentally determined and understood.
• Biophysical Methods for Macromolecular Analysis (IBiS 409)
  • The course will explore the principles and practical applications of biophysical methods in contemporary research, with an emphasis on understanding macromolecular structure and function. A broad range of techniques including various forms of spectroscopy and microscopy will be covered. Students will learn practical aspects of design and conduct of experiments and review scientific literature demonstrating the value of these methods.
• Quantitative Biology (IBiS 410)
  • Quantitative approach to molecular and cell biology, focused on developing an understanding of connections between biomolecule structure and dynamics, and behavior of cells. The course will also include review of topics from statistics of random variables and statistical data analysis relevant to biology and biophysics.

Ethics Courses (2)

•  Colloquium on Integrity in Biomedical Research (DGP 494 - offered every Fall) or Ethics in Biological Research (IBiS 423 - offered every Fall)
• Responsible Conduct in Neuroscience Research (NUIN 490), McCormicks' Responsible Conduct in Research (GEN ENG 519), or Rigor & Reproducibility (IBiS 421), or Responsible Conduct of Research (CHEM 519-offered every Fall). 

Elective Courses (1)

This requirement is intended to offer flexibility in order for trainees to develop technical strengths that align with their research and professional development goals. View possible electives.

Total: 6 courses

Structural Biology Summer Workshop

Hands-on experience in CryoEM, X-ray Crystallography, NMR, and Biophysical Characterization of Proteins

The workshop explores the theory and practice of contemporary structure elucidation methods including macromolecular crystallography, solution NMR, and CryoEM.

Students learn the key principles and technical aspects of each technique through hands-on activities including basic sample preparation, data acquisition, and analysis. The latter half of each day of the workshop is focused on working with real-world crystallographic diffraction data NMR spectra, and EM Dara. The goal is to broaden knowledge-base, deepen understanding and encourage the adoption of these techniques in each Trainees research program. 

Instructors

CryoEM: Ao Cheng
X-ray Crystallography: Alfonso Mondragon, Pamela Focia, & Joseph Brunzelle
NMR: Yongbo Zhang
Biophysical Characterization of Proteins: Arabela Grigorescu