Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Course

Course Description

Proteomics aims to investigate the entire content of proteins present in cells, tissues, body fluids, whole organisms, or in any type of biological sample. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is currently the most comprehensive approach for quantitative profiling of proteins, their interactions and spatial localizations, and for the identification of protein modifications.

The objective of this course is to introduce the field of proteomics, focusing on fundamental concepts in sample preparation, peptide and protein identification, and quantification. These concepts are reinforced through the practical training using state-of-the-art mass spectrometers and open-source software for data analysis.

The course is designed to provide the participants with the knowledge necessary to access the resources and infrastructure of the proteomics unit at the Functional Genomics Center Zurich.

Short Course Program:

1. Introduction to proteomics and sample preparation
2. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry:

• Introduction to the technology
• Setup and handling of high-resolution nanoLC-MS/MS system
• Analytical strategies
• Performance and quality controls

3. Experiment planning, data analysis and interpretation:

• Importance of experimental design
• Basics of protein identification and quantification
• Data base search algorithm for protein identification
• Quantitative data quality control
• Differential protein expression
• IT and awareness of the data storage and its size

4. Practical user lab aspects:

• Project management using B-Fabric
• Accessing instruments and software infrastructure at FGCZ
• Laboratory practices
  

Didactical approach

The course is conceived as highly interactive which includes:

• Theoretical inputs (lectures)
• Interactive discussions on case studies (group discussions)
• Pair and group work in the laboratory
• Instrument handling for the practical part
• Hands-on activities for data analysis (computer sessions), including challenges
• Q&A sessions, feedback and discussions with other participants and instructors
  

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Summarize the principles of current high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) technologies
• Understand basics proteomics sample preparation workflows
• Conduct basics hands-on operations on the LC-MS systems and run quality control procedures
• Perform basic data analysis for the evaluation of the MS results (with a focus on identification and quantification)
• Know what to expect - understand the opportunities and limits of a proteomics experiment
• Formulate a well designed proteomics experiment for a meaningful research question
• Know about the FGCZ proteomics infrastructure and how to use it
  

Important facts and how to apply

Language

The course will be entirely taught in English.

Participants

The course is limited to 6 participants only.

Target audience and prerequisites

Doctoral students and post-doctoral scientists in Biology and Biomedicine, actively engaged in or soon to commence research involving mass spectrometry. It is not essential to have any previous knowledge of the subject area. A minimal previous knowledge and understanding of analytical chemistry is highly recommended.

Cost

The course tuition fees for PhD students and post-docs from the University of Zürich and ETHZ is CHF 400.00 (Swiss francs) and CHF 700.00, respectively. Please note, that these prices will only apply if the tuition fee is paid through an internal, i.e. University of Zürich or ETHZ, account.

The course is meant only for members of the University of Zürich and ETHZ. External academics and industrial delegates have no access to this course.

IMPORTANT: The internal prices can be applied only, when paid by internal account.

Those participants that register will be sent an email reserving their place together with an ‘Application Form’ to be signed by their correspondent supervisor and emailed back to the FGCZ. Upon receiving the signed ‘Application Form’, the participant will be considered and their place in the course will be confirmed. An invoice will be issued. Please check our invoicing conditions before registering, see Question 13): FAQ Courses – Functional Genomics Center Zurich.

Cancellation Policy

Please note that due to the high demand for this course any change related to your participation should be informed as soon as possible, but not later than ten (10) working days (for internal participants) prior to the course start date if the invoice has not yet been issued. 20 working days for external participants. The cancellation request must be e-mailed to . If the cancellation of the course occurs after this time period, the tuition fee will not be refunded.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need any additional information or encounter any problems.

Expenses

Please beware that travel expenses, accommodation and meals are not included in the tuition fee. These will have to be covered by the participant entirely.

Changes to the course dates

The FGCZ reserves the right to postpone the course to a later date should the number of applicants be lower than four. Further questions? Check out the FAQ for Courses