Advanced NMR Spectroscopy
Avancerad NMR-spektroskopi

KFK001F, 10 credits

Valid from: Autumn 2020
Decided by: Margareta Sandahl
Date of establishment: 2020-03-19

General Information

Division: Biophysical Chemistry
Course type: Third-cycle course
Teaching language: English

Aim

The aim of the course is for the student to acquire advanced knowledge about Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) theory and applications in studies of bio-macromolecular structure and dynamics. The course focuses on methods for studying proteins, but the underlying theory is equally applicable to essentially any molecule in the liquid phase.

Goals

Knowledge and Understanding

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• understand and be able to explain the basic principles of multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy
• have knowledge about the use of the density matrix and product operator formalisms for interpreting any multi-dimensional NMR pulse sequence.
• have knowledge on methods for achieving coherence order and pathway selection.
• have knowledge on how to process NMR data to yield multi-dimensional spectra.
• have knowledge on multi-dimensional NMR experiments useful for atom-specific resonance assignments and molecular structure determination.

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• be able to interpret the multi-dimensional NMR pulse sequences in terms of the density matrix and product operator formalism.
• be able to design novel NMR pulse sequences for the purpose of acquiring a given type of NMR data.
• be able to make informed decisions on suitable combinations of NMR experiments to achieve atom-specific resonance assignments of proteins (or other macromolecules) of a particular type (size, spectral resolution, etc)
• be able to process multi-dimensional NMR data
• be able to adequately present results and interpretations of NMR experiments both written and verbally.

Judgement and Approach

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• be able to critically assess the outcome of an NMR experiment in terms of precision and accuracy, plausibility and applicability.
• be able to critically review research literature that describes application of NMR.
• have the ability to choose the NMR technique that is most appropriate to apply to a given research problem.
• have a broad insight into applications outside his or hers own principal research area.
• be able to actively take part in qualified discussions about applications and interpretations of NMR experiments.

Course Contents

The course begins with basic theory on NMR, including an introduction to quantum mechanics, quantum statistical mechanics, the density matrix and product operator formalisms. The course then covers the theory of multi-dimensional spectroscopy, including frequency labeling of coherences, coherence transfer and mixing, and coherence pathway selection. The course also covers experimental techniques and practical aspects, including data acquisition and data processing.

Course Literature

J, C., WJ, F., AG, P., M, R. & NJ, S.: Protein NMR Spectroscopy. Principles and Practice, 2nd Edition. Elsevier Academic Press, 2007. ISBN 9780121644918.
The textbook will be complemented with review articles distributed during the course.

Instruction Details

Types of instruction: Seminars, project, self-study literature review. The course is organized around seminars or discussion meetings where groups of students present the assigned reading material. The course also includes a project, where each student will analyze an NMR pulse sequence from the research literature.

Examination Details

Examination formats: Written report, written assignments. Students will solve home assignments during the course. At the end of the course, each student will be assigned a recent research publication, which should be analyzed in detail using the theory learnt in the course and described in a written report.
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

Admission requirements: KFKN01, Magnetic Resonance — Spectroscopy and Imaging, or an equivalent course.
Assumed prior knowledge: Mathematics corresponding to curriculum in the K or B programs at LTH.

Further Information

The course will be offered provided that a sufficient number of students have shown an interest. Normally, this would entail at least 3-4 students in order for the peer instruction element to work well.

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

Course coordinator: Mikael Akke <mikael.akke@bpc.lu.se>