Structural analysis methods are transversal to a wide range of scientific and technological fields, and such interdisciplinary nature is clearly an advantage for developing skills in the analysis of complex problems. The teaching methodology meets this characteristic, by alternating typical magisterial classes with lectures by experts in different areas, followed by the analysis and debate of case studies. This methodology allows the students to increase their skills on complex situations, and to apply the theoretical concepts explained in the lectures to a real scenario. The main advantage of this methodology is that the students experience different perspectives in science and technology, and analyze/discuss alternative practices to solve real problems. On the other hand, the analysis of case studies has proven effective for learning, especially in advanced studies, allowing the students to attain the learning goals in an easy but solid way. Additionally, the students will apply their knowledge on relevant techniques to address complex problems, which will allow them to further develop their skills in interpretation/oral and written communication/discussion, etc. This strategy values the specific skills of each individual student, stressing the need for multi-disciplinary/team work for solving real cases, allowing the students to become confident in their specific abilities and expertise.

1 Mass spectrometry (MS): revision of the fundamentals and main types of ion sources and mass analyzers; MS techniques suitable for biological applications. 2 Vibrational spectroscopy: revision of the fundamentals and spectral interpretation; aspects of relevance in the study of biomolecules by vibrational spectroscopy. 3 Structural analysis techniques suited for inorganic substances/components of biological interest. 4 Case studies

The course’s main goal is to provide advanced training in structural analysis methods, allowing the students to understand the fundamentals and main applications of the most relevant techniques presently used for the characterization of biomolecules. Consequently, the program starts by the revision of the fundamentals of each of the techniques to be addressed, followed by an in-depth study of each one of them and of their main biological applications. Several case studies will be chosen on the basis of their interdisciplinary nature and inclusion of one or more relevant techniques. These case studies will be analyzed and discussed with the students, aiming at consolidating their training, allowing them to develop their own ability to analyze more complex situations.

-- Lectures: Presentation of syllabus topics using multimedia tools; occasionally, specialized topics will be presented by invited guests. The UC management will be made using the Moodle platform. - Tutorial sessions: Analysis of scientific papers and case studies; flash presentations on scientific papers or topics relevant to the course; summary reports on lectures by invited guests. -


Evaluation: Distributed with final exam Distributed evaluation component: based on the quality of the tasks attributed within tutorial sessions (discussion of scientific papers and case studies, oral presentations, reports on lectures by guests, homework)