Characterisation of monomers and Macro molecules. Conformations. Random structures and mathematical models to describe these. The excluded volume problems. Flory-Huggins theory. Interactions between neighbouring atom grouper and their influence on molecular structures. Characterisation of some different polymers. Proteins. Conformations of amino acids and interactions between neighbouring groups. Ramachandran plots.Some structure types -helices, flakes. Methods to predict structures. Nucleic acids, DNA, RNA.Characterisation of nucleotide conformations. Different spiral structures. Couplings between base pairs. Polymeric materials, different states and transitions. Scaling-properties; dynamics based on scaling ideas.
FSI3440 Conformations of Macromolecules 10.0 credits
This course has been discontinued.
Decision to discontinue this course:
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Information per course offering
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Course syllabus as PDF
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Course syllabus FSI3440 (Spring 2009–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus FSI3440 (Spring 2009–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completed course, the PhD student should be able to:
- apply statistical mechanics to macromolecules.
- pursue and realize the limitations with different approximations used to study polymer problems.
- apply renormalisation methods to polymer problems.
- describe different models för polymer dynamics.
- apply polymer physics to biological macromolecules.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Phd student
Literature
- P.J. Flory, Statistical Mechanics of Chain Molecules, Interscience Publisher 1969.
- P.G. des Gennes, Scaling Concepts in Polymer Physics. Cornell Univ. Press, 1979.
- G.E. Schultz, R.H. Schirmer, Principles of Protein Structure, Springer, 1979.
Examination and completion
Grading scale
G
Examination
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.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Other requirements for final grade
Hand in assignments in combination with an oral exam.
Examiner
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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
Education cycle
Third cycle