FSK3521 Fluorescens Spectroscopy for Biomolecular Studies 6.0 credits

Introduction to fluorescence, Physical description of absorption and emission processes, fluorescence markers and their characteristics, environmental effects / fluorescence molecular sensors, other photo-induced non-fluorescent states of fluorophores, polarization and rotational measurements of molecules, resonance energy transfer (FRET) and molecular distance measurements with fluorescence, ultra-sensitive fluorescence spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including single molecule spectroscopy and methods based on fluctuation analysis, applications of fluorescence spectroscopy in biology, medicine and drug development. Discussions about how to apply/developm fluorescence methods within the research area of the student. 

This course covers methods in fluorescence spectroscopy that are used to study biomolecules and their interactions.
After this course the students are expected to be able to:

• explain the fundamental physical mechanisms involved in the generation of fluorescence light.
• explain how interactions between biomolecules and electromagnetic radiation and environmental effects can generate changes in the measured fluorescence parameters, and how these changes can be exploited for monitoring of biomolecules and their interactions.
• Mention the most  important fluorescence techniques in the biomedical research field, and explain what type of questions these techniques can address.
• Describe the physical principles of these fluorescence techniques,.
• Based on knowledge on these techniques and their physical principles, describe and motivate what the factors are that limit their performance, and how the obtained measurements data are evaluated.
• Follow, report on, and discuss relevant parts of the latest development in the field of fluorescence spectroscopy, and judge their applicability for different biomolecular studies.
• more in detail estimate the usefulness of fluorescence methods within the students own area of research, and to provide well motivated, solid suggestions of how they can be applied in the area.

Admitted to PhD studies in Physics, Biological Physics, or related fields of study.

Recommended previous knowledge:   
Passed course in “Experimental methods in molecular biophysics” SK2520 or SK3520
Course given in English, if not all students would prefer Swedish.

JR Lakowicz, Principles of fluorescence spectroscopy, Kluwer Academic
 
B Valeur,Molecular Fluorescence, principles and applications, Wiley-VCH

Scientific articles and hand-outs
 
Laboration instructions

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

• LAB1 - Laboratory work, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• LIT1 - Literature assignment, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Exam, 4.0 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.

The course is assessed through:
One written examination (4 credits, grades P/F),
One oral project presentation (1 credit, grades P/F),
Passed laborations/exercises (1 credit, grades P/F)

Jerker Widengren

• 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.