270070 VO Structure and Dynamics of Biopolymers (2007W)

The course deals with the theory of the molecular structures of biopolymers, the dynamics of conformational changes as well as the
mechanisms of structure formation. Two classes of biopolymer molecules will be treated extensively: proteins and nucleic acids.
Special emphasis is laid on basic mathematical and physical principles
and concepts.
Secondary and tertiary structure of proteins and nucleic acids.
Mathematical basics for description and computational treatment of
the tertiary structure of biomolecules.
Molecular modeling, basics and application of force fields.
Foundations and limitations of "implicit solvent" methods.
Analysis and interpretation of Molecular Dynamics simulations.
Computational methods based on RNA secondary structure and their application in the simulation of folding dynamics.
Grading: Oral exam