The main aim of this course is to come to a detailed understanding of research articles with an emphasis on proteomics and biomolecular mass spectrometry. Additionally, students will be supervised in critical reading scientific papers ans presenting highlights and novelties of such work.

Mass spectrometry is a method of choice in both Proteomics and Structural Biology. A few examples where mass spectrometry is used to advantage: identification of unknown proteins, monitoring and quantification of differences in protein expression between normal and deviant cells, analysis of protein post-translational modifications, receptor-ligand binding, protein folding and noncovalent interactions.

In this course the emphasis is on critically deconstructing an article to its main message and to discover its merits and weaknesses. Small groups of students get a publication or publications. This may be a review article on a specific topic, a publication on novel applications of mass spectrometry or on a new method. The group discusses a publication with one of the lecturers. Full course week is required; obligatory attendance on Monday and Friday.