General Information

The unique potential of neutron scattering in structural biology arises from the strong interaction of neutrons with hydrogen (H) and its deuterium (D) isotope. This property makes the information available from neutron scattering unique and a valuable complement to data obtained from other structural techniques. Individual hydrogen/deuterium atoms are visualized in neutron density maps from crystallographic data at the resolution typical of most protein structures (2.0 -2.5 Å). Using contrast variation by H/D exchange, proteins and nucleic acids are sequentially modeled and mapped in large biological complexes by small angle neutron scattering, and protein-membrane interactions are revealed by Reflectometry and protein dynamics measured.

The course will include a symposium, lectures and tutorials and tours of the High Flux Isotope reactor and Spallation Neutron Source, the world’s leading neutron research facilities.

Graduate Course in Neutrons in Biology at ORNL

The course is designed for graduate students with knowledge of protein function and structure but no or limited experience of neutron sciences.

Subjects include:

  • Crystallography
  • Small Angle Scattering
  • Reflectometry
  • Spectroscopy
  • Imaging
  • Labeling techniques

Course Objectives

  1. Educate graduate students in neutron scattering techniques, instrumentation and data collection, analysis and interpretation.
  2. Expose participants to cutting-edge research in neutron structural biology.
  3. Build interactions between graduate students, their university groups, and ORNL neutron scattering experts to develop new research projects.

Course Information

  • Fellowships: Travel and accommodation costs are reimbursed for participants from U.S. institutions. There are no registration fees for any participant.
  • Application Deadline: Currently open and will end March 11, 2011.