Specimen handling, practical electron microscopy, theory of image formation, different modes of electron microscopy, computer exercises using dedicated software for processing EM data and 3D reconstruction, computer exercises using molecular graphics programs for interpretation and visualization.
HL2026 Electron Microscopy 7.5 credits
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus HL2026 (Autumn 2010–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
In their cellular environment proteins and other macromolecules are highly dynamic structures that can adopt a number of conformations related to the function they have in living organisms. Cryo electron microscopy has become one of the most important methods for investigating the structure and function of proteins and macromolecular complexes close to their native functional states.
Aim: To understand how transmission electron microscopy can be used to study different types of biological specimens. High-resolution structural analysis of large molecular assemblies and two-dimensional crystals of membrane proteins will be the major targets.
Content: Image formation in a transmission electron microscope, Electron diffraction, Protection against radiation damage - electron cryo microscopy, Specimen preparation, Methods for 2-D crystallization, Data collection strategies, Analysis of experimental data - crystals, Analysis of experimental data - non-crystalline objects, Interpretation of structural models
After completion of the course you should be able to:
- Prepare specimens for electron microscopy
- Understand the principles behind image formation and data collection
- Process data in 2D and 3D
- Interpret and visualize results using molecular graphics
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent. Basic knowledge of anatomy.
Recommended prerequisites
No information inserted
Equipment
No information inserted
Literature
Joachim Frank, Three-Dimensional Electron Microscopy of Macromolecular Assemblies, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press 2006, ISBN 0195182189
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
- PRO1 - Project Report, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- ÖVN1 - Exercises, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, 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
Medical Engineering
Education cycle
Second cycle
Add-on studies
No information inserted
Contact
Hans Hebert, e-post hans.hebert@ki.se
Supplementary information
Notice that the final schedule is not yet decided and the dates can be changed.