Understanding the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules is essential for explaining how proteins and nucleic acids function in living systems, from enzyme catalysis and molecular recognition to the development of new therapeutics. This course introduces the fundamental principles of biomolecular structure and the experimental methods used to determine macromolecular architecture at different levels of resolution. Emphasis is placed on understanding how physical techniques reveal structural information and how these data are interpreted to build atomic models. Students will develop practical problem-solving skills by applying concepts from diffraction, spectroscopy, and electron imaging to analyze biological structures. Advanced strategies for determining complex biomolecular structures will be explored through methods such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, electron crystallography (e.g. MicroED), cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), circular dichroism (CD), and complementary biophysical approaches.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyze biomolecular structures to explain relationships between molecular architecture, interactions, dynamics, and biological function.
- Interpret and evaluate structural biology data, models, and evidence, including their quality, uncertainty, limitations, and biological significance.
- Apply appropriate computational, visualization, and data-analysis tools to investigate structural biology problems.
- Develop and communicate evidence-based structural biology arguments, selecting appropriate approaches to address biological or biomedical questions.
Indicative Assessment
- Assignments (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Lab Participation and Competency (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Examinations (mid semester and end of semester) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to-face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures per week plus 1 x 3 hour workshop/laboratory every fortnight.
- Approximately 65 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Assumed Knowledge
Students are assumed to have foundational knowledge in chemistry and biochemistry.
Students who do not satisfy the prerequistes but have equivalent knowledge can seek permission to enrol from the course convener through the permission code portal.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $5040 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $7200 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5431 | 22 Feb 2027 | 01 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 28 May 2027 | In Person | N/A |