Description

The 10th NCCR Practical Course will cover key topics in the area of computational biology. It is organised as a winter retreat in the Swiss Alps offering participants a stimulating atmosphere for learning, the possibility of enjoying winter sports during the afternoon break, and a forum for informal networking and scientific exchange with lecturers, tutors and fellow participants.

By the end of the course, participants will have received a comprehesive introduction to the methods and technologies used in biomolecular modelling and simulation.

Topics

The course will cover theoretical and practical aspects of:

Simulation techniques | force-field development | conformational search | computation of free energy and entropy | treatment of electrostatic forces | simulation of folding | comparison of simulation with experiment  

Characteristics

Theory and practice. A thorough introduction to the principles of biomolecular modelling and simulation.

Software. The GROMOS software package will be introduced and used for all excercises. Developed by the van Gunsteren group, this software will also be available for use after the course.

Data sets. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets for course exercises, simulation and discussion with tutors.

Intensive learning. Tutors will lead through exercises and support participants with their questions and problems. The course set-up offers a productive environment for discussion with experts and fellow participants.

Date / Venue

January 8 - 13, 2012
Hotel Victoria Ritter, Kandersteg, Switzerland | www
The course starts with an information session followed by a social on Sunday evening January 8, 2012 and ends on Friday afternoon, January 13, 2012.

Programme

The programme includes lectures on theoretical aspects in the morning session followed by tutorials in the evening session. Afternoons are free.

Participants

The course is primarily aimed at experimental biologists (PhD students and Postdocs) with an interest in biomolecular modelling and simulation. Basic user knowledge of Linux is required for this course. Exercises will be provided for successful applicants. Attendance is limited to 20.

Application

The online application is closed.

Fees

Academia: CHF   450.- | € 375.-
Industry:     CHF 1050.- | € 875.-

Fees include attendance of the course, course materials, boarding and lodging (shared double room, 5 nights), socials, and VAT. Extras will have to be paid by participants.

Relief from course fees
Participants from NCCR Structural Biology, Swiss Universities and the EMBN Network are relieved from fees.

Cancellation fees
After November 30, 2011:  CHF 175.-
After January 1, 2012:    CHF 475.-

Certificate / ECTS Points

A certificate of course attendance will be awarded to participants completing the course. According to ECTS guidelines, 2 credit points may be awarded to PhD students for this course. A recommendation letter will be available at the end of the course in order to apply for points at their home institutions.

Organiser

Prof. Wilfred van Gunsteren
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry
ETH-Hönggerberg, HCI
CH - 8093 Zurich | www

Contact
Sraboni Ghose, PhD
NCCR Scientific Officer
Institute of Biochemistry
University of Zurich Irchel
Winterthurerstrasse 190
CH - 8057 Zurich
Phone +41 44 635 54 84
Fax +41 44 635 59 08
email >>

Links

Institute of Computer-aided Chemistry

Kandersteg

Hotel Victoria Ritter

Swiss Railways

Zurich Airport