Cryo Electron Microscopy in Structural Biology - Single View

Content:
The course covers theory and advanced image analysis techniques in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the lecture the following topics are explained:
- buildup of a TEM, electron guns, holders and detectors
- theory of diffraction, image formation, how electrons interact with material; contrast transfer function
- theory behind high resolution cryo TEM
- sample preparation and image acquisition in (single particle) TEM
- 2D and 3D image analysis
- point group symmetries
- refinement and validation of 3D reconstructions
- visualisation and interpretation of TEM results
During the seminar the students will analyse current TEM results from subject-specific English literature, summarize the key aspects of the work and discuss the research outcome critically.

Learning outcomes:
1. Subject-specific competences:
At the end of the course the students will have learned and understood the underlying theory in transmission electron microscopy and single particle image analysis. They will be able to identify suitable TEM applications to a biological question and will have gained insight into the current state of the art in cryo electron microscopy. They will also have analysed the structure and function of diverse biological complexes.

2. Methods-specific competences:
The students learn to interpret, analyse and present results derived from subject-specific, English literature. They will also learn how to prepare a TEM sample, how to operate a TEM, how to analyse TEM images and how to interpret TEM data.

3. Action competence:
The students present and defend scientific work in a public seminar using suitable presentation media. The students learn to work in a team, give constructive feedback and assess each other in a public seminar.