NSCPHD1136 Advanced methods in glycobiology

Volume 2013/2014
Content
Polysaccharides are one of the most extensive ingredient in human nutrition and have enormous impact on plant development, human health and in many applications. This course will provide a wide understanding of  theoretical background of polysaccharides and hands-on experience in selected techniques for the analysis of complex carbohydrates including: state-of-the-art carbohydrate microarrays; monoclonal antibodies; carbohydrate binding modules; immunocytochemistry; rheology; spectroscopy and carbohydrate-active enzyme assays. The aim of the course is to provide participants with the skills needed to apply these techniques to their own research.

Learning Outcome
The primary outcomes will be a sound knowledge of the biology and utilization of plant polysaccharides.  

Knowledge
• Demonstrate a practical knowledge of cutting-edge techniques for polysaccharide analysis, including the construction and use of carbohydrate microarrays for high throughput screening.
• Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the use of plant polysaccharides as functional food ingredients, nutraceuticals, therapeutics and as novel bio materials.

Skills
• Apply their knowledge to critically assess scientific literature.
• Use selected techniques for polysaccharide analysis and glycobiology.
• Apply their knowledge to evaluate the outcome of polysaccharide analyses.
• Describe how fundamental polysaccharide biology is related to downstream industrial uses.

Competences
• Work independently and with scientific literature.
• Prepare and present written work
• Design experiments related to polysaccharide biology and applications
A mixture of orginal research papers and review articles.
The PhD students will have a combination of lectures, theoretical and practical exercises of up to six hours duration. Individual preparatory work will be expected. The course is evaluated on basis of written lab reports.
The PhD course is part of the master course: Plant Polysaccharides: Biology, Structure and Applications - LBIK10201
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 20
  • Practical exercises
  • 30
  • Preparation
  • 25
  • Project work
  • 25
  • Total
  • 100
Credit
4 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment under invigilation
In order to pass the course, all participants must hand in a report of the lab work at the end of the course.