Course Information

This discussion/seminar course is the first of a 2 semester sequence on the topic of Macromolecular Crystallography, the technique by which the complete three-dimensional structure of molecules can be determined. Both courses can only be taken S/N with grading based primarily upon participation. Where appropriate classes go into the laboratory to examine the equipment and to observe experiments in progress. The main text for these courses is X-ray Structure Determination: A Practical Guide by G.H. Stout and L.H. Jensen. Minimum prerequisite is one year of chemistry or biology and mathematics through vector algebra and calculus.

This first course in the sequence discusses the topics:

1.      Radiation: Properties and generation

2.      What is a crystal?

     a.      The unit cell: What's allowed and what's not

     b.      Lattices: Planes and vectors

3.      Bragg's Law, Reciprocal lattice and Sphere of reflection

4.      Symmetry

     a.      Rotations, mirrors and inversions

     b.      Point groups

     c.      Laue symmetry and Bravais lattices

     d.      Translational operators: Screw axes and centering

     e.      Space groups

5.      Data collection geometry