Biomolecular Nanoscience
Code: 106828Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | OP | 4 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Sebastian Tanco
- Email :
- sebastianmartin.tanco@uab.cat
Teaching staff
- Enea Sancho Vaello
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
None specific
Objectives
To give the students a perspective on the characteristics of biomolecules applied to the nanoscience field, and the methodologies used for their manipulation and study. Likewise, we get more knowledgeable about its nanomechanical properties and in the design of nanomaterials based on its self-associative properties.
Learning outcomes
- CM22 (Identify innovations in nanobiotechnology and their economic and social impact on the field of health.) Identify innovations in nanobiotechnology and their economic and social impact on the field of health.
- KM40 (Recognise the nano-mechanics of biomolecules and their properties of self-association for the construction of nano-systems.) Recognise the nano-mechanics of biomolecules and their properties of self-association for the construction of nano-systems.
- SM32 (Use digital tools and documentary sources to obtain, analyse and present information from a critical perspective in the field of nano biotechnology, both orally and in writing.) Use digital tools and documentary sources to obtain, analyse and present information from a critical perspective in the field of nano biotechnology, both orally and in writing.
- SM35 (Successfully solve problems related to biotechnology.) Successfully solve problems related to biotechnology.
Contents
Topic 1. Introduction. Characteristics of biological molecules and biological machines. Introduction to synthetic molecular machines and comparison with biological machines.
Topic 2. Nanomechanical properties of nucleic acids and DNA-based technologies. Linear biomolecular motors: DNA and RNA polymerases. Ribosomes as synthesis machinery in the cell. DNA as a construction material: DNA origami.
Topic 3. Biomolecular machines associated with microtubules: myosin, kinesin, and dynein. ATP synthases and ATPases. Bacterial flagella. Other protein-based biomolecular machines, such as efflux pumps.
Topic 4. Design of nanomaterials based on the self-assembly properties of biomolecules. Protein-, peptide-, liposome-, magnetosome-, and virus-like particle (VLP)-based nanomaterials.
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study | 61.5 | 2.46 | CM22, KM40, SM32, SM35 |
| Theory classes | 34 | 1.36 | CM22, KM40, SM32, SM35 |
| Resolution of practical cases and problems | 22.5 | 0.9 | CM22, KM40, SM32, SM35 |
| Tutorial | 8 | 0.32 | CM22, KM40, SM32, SM35 |
| Problem-solving classes or practical sessions | 18 | 0.72 | CM22, KM40, SM32, SM35 |
The course consists of theory master classes and classes of problems and/or practical classes and seminars.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writen Tests | 40 | 2 | 0.08 | CM22, KM40, SM35 |
| Submission of assignments and class participation | 60 | 4 | 0.16 | CM22, KM40, SM32, SM35 |
Continued evaluation:
The written examination will account for 40% of the final grade. The remaining 60% will be distributed between coursework completed during the course and class participation.
Throughout the course, different assignments or continuous assessment activities may be proposed. These may include literature searches, seminar presentations, interpretation of data from scientific studies, or other activities related to the course contents. According to the instructor's criteria, these may be individual or group assignments and must be submitted in printed format, through the virtual campus, or by means of classroom presentations.
The minimum passing grade will be 5 out of 10.
If a student obtains a grade below 3.5 or fails to complete at least two-thirds (2/3) of the assessable activities, they will not be allowed to sit the final examination.
Important: If plagiarism is detected in any of the submitted assignments, this may result in the student failing the entire course.
For this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted exclusively for support tasks, such as literature or information searches, text editing, or translations. Students must clearly identify which parts of their work have been generated using such technology, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these tools influenced both the process and the final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency regarding the use of AI in an assessable activity will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in a partial or total penalty in the activity grade, or more severe sanctions in serious cases.
Unique assessment:
There will be a single examination covering the theoretical content, the classroom practical sessions, and the seminar content of the course. The examination will consist of essay-style questions. The grade obtained in this examination will account for 60% of the final course grade.
The submission of the activities completed during the course will follow the same procedure as in the continuous assessment. Various assignments or assessment activities may be assigned, including literature searches, seminar presentations, interpretation of data from scientific studies, or other related activities. Depending on the instructor's criteria, these may be individual or group assignments and must be submitted in printed format, through the virtual campus, or as classroom presentations on the same date as the single assessment examination.
The grade obtained for these assignments will account for 40% of the final course grade.
If a student obtains a grade lower than 3.5, they will not be allowed to sit the final examination.
Bibliography
1- Nanochemistry: A Chemical Approach to Nanomaterials. RSC Publishing. 2008.
2- Molecular Machines . Benoit Roux Ed. 2011.
3- Motor proteins and Molecular Motors. CRC Press 2020.
Software
None
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 1 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 1 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | morning-mixed |