Structural Biology 7.5 credits

About the course

The course comprises two modules: 1. Theory, 5,5 credits. The theoretical part has three sections: A) 3-dimensional structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids at a basic level. B) Structure determination by X-ray crystallography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, providing both theoretical and practical insights. X-ray crystallography is the most powerful technique currently available for obtaining detailed atomic resolution information of macromolecules. NMRis used for the structural determination of smaller proteins, but the method is also very potent in studies of macromolecules dynamic properties. C) Studies of scientific articles with focus on structural biology. A grant application will be written and orally presented in English. The theoretical parts of the course address the relationship between protein structure and function. The classification system used for proteins and nucleic acids three-dimensional structures will be studied with the aim to give students a good knowledge of various structural motifs in proteins for example alpha helical domain structures, alpha / beta structures, beta sheet structures. The students will also study the structural background of the behavior of multifunctional enzymes, nucleotide-binding enzymes, DNA-recognizing proteins, receptor-proteins, membrane proteins and 2- and 3 dimensional structures of DNA and RNA. The basic mechanisms behind protein folding, factors that determine protein stability and the structural background of macromolecules dynamics are covered. In the context of protein folding, the concept of misfolded proteins and how these can cause disease will be discussed. The course covers basic principles of macromolecular structure determination by X-ray crystallography and NMR. The goal is that the students can read and understand the technical terms in an article describing a crystal or NMR structure. 2. Laboratory work, 2 credits. In the practical part, computer graphics will be used to visualize and study structural topologies of protein and nucleotide structures obtained from public databases. Structural motifs will be identified and conclusions will be drawn about the protein structure and function. The laboratory experiments include crystallization, analysis of protein crystals, and modeling of protein structures into electron density maps at different resolution cut-offs, in addition to exercises to interpret and arrange NMR spectra.

Show syllabus

This course is part of a programme

This course contains occasions that are included in a degree programme at Umeå university and applies only to those of you who are admitted to the programme. You will receive information about application times and what applies to you from your institution.

Read about choosing courses within programmes

Apply

Spring 2027
- Structural Biology
  
  Offered as a part of a Degree programme
  
  VT27 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Application opens 15 September 2026
  
  Save education at universityadmissions.se
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  25 March 2027
  
  Ends
  2 May 2027
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-5100O
  
  Eligibility
  
  20 ECTS from completed courses in Chemistry, with a minimum of 5 ECTS in Biochemistry, or alternatively, 20 ECTS from a combination of completed courses in Chemistry and Physics and/or Mathematics, with a minimum of 5 ECTS in Biochemistry; 30 ECTS from completed courses in Biology, containing at least 15 ECTS in Cell and Molecular Biology, and at least 5 ECTS in Molecular Genetics.
  
  Application
  The online application opens 15 September 2026 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 October 2026.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 19,038
  
  Total fee: SEK 19,038
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

Apply online via universityadmissions.se
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
 
Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

More about application and admission

Explore your future at Umeå University

Join a vibrant academic community where high-quality education meets groundbreaking research in science, technology, humanities, and the arts. At Umeå University, you will learn from passionate, expert teachers and benefit from a close connection between research, education, collaboration, and innovation.

World's most satisfied international students

#1 globally in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction.
A university with health at its core

Umeå University is certified as a Healthy Campus, with many initiatives that promote health and well-being.