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BB1210 Purification of Biomolecules 6.0 credits

In this course you will get theoretical and practical orientation and insights to the methods used for separation of biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites etc.  We will go through the main steps, from handeling of biological samples and lysis of cells, to concentration and storage of a purified final sample.

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Application

For course offering

Autumn 2024 Start 26 Aug 2024 programme students

Application code

50626

Headings with content from the Course syllabus BB1210 (Autumn 2021–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The course gives a theoretical and practical orientation of the methods used for purification of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acid, metabolites etc.). General knowledge of the main steps in a purification process, from handling of biological samples and cell lysis, via the most common separation methods, to concentration and storage of final sample, is included. Basic experimental design will also be treated. The course contains both theoretical and practical parts.

The following methods will be covered in the course:

  • Cell lysis
  • Centrifugation
  • Filtration
  • Precipitation
  • Chromatography (gel-filtration, ion exchange, hydrophobic interactions, affinity etc.)
  • Buffer exchange, concentration and storage

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student shall have

Knowledge and understanding to:

  • Account for, describe and give examples of common methods for purification of biomolecules. (TEN1)
  • Apply methods for purification of biomolecules. (LAB1)
  • Perform a chromatographic experiment for purification of a biomolecule, calculate the obtained yield and suggest improvements. (LAB1)

Skills and abilities to:

  • Plan an efficient process for purification of a biomolecule (LAB1)
  • Report orally and in writing within the subject (LAB1)

Values and approaches to 

  • Critically evaluate a presentation of an experiment and give constructive feedback. (LAB1)

For higher grades (A-D) the student shall also be able to

  • Compare and pan complex experiments for purification of biomolecules. (TEN1)

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Completed course BB1150 Biochemistry 1.

Recommended prerequisites

BB1150 Biochemistry, BB1030 Microbiology,BB1160 Eucaryotic Cell Biology, BB1190 Gene Technology, or equivalent courses.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Written exam, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Technology

Education cycle

First cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Supplementary information

Overlaps with the course BB1130-Analysis and Purification of Biomolecules