Aim
The aim of the course is for the student to learn basic knowledge about Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and its applications in the studies of structure and dynamics in macromolecular and colloidal systems. The course also addresses imaging techniques and methods for the studies of solid materials.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to interpret the information obtained with the most common NMR experiments in one and more dimensions.

• be able to describe the dynamical and structural properties of a molecule on the basis of NMR data.

• be able to interpret the results of self-diffusion experiment of colloidal systems.

• be able to perform NMR experiments with only little supervision.

• be able to adequately present results and interpretations of NMR experiments both written and verbally.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• understand and explain the basic principles for NMR spectroscopy and NMR imaging.

• have knowledge about and be able to describe the experimental requirements when NMR is used for spectroscopy, imaging and self-diffusion studies.

• have knowledge on how NMR can be used to study molecular dynamics.

• have knowledge on how multi-dimensional NMR experiments are carried out and on the principles of macromolecular structure determination.

• have knowledge om how NMR can be used in the studies of solid state materials.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to critically assess the outcome of a NMR experiment in terms of accuracy, plausibility and applicability.

• be able to critically review research literature that describes application of NMR.

• have the ability to choose the NMR technique that is most appropriate to apply in a given situation.

• have a broad insight into applications outside his or hers own principal focus of interest.

• be able to actively take part in qualified discussions about applications and interpretations of NMR experiments.

Contents
Lectures: The course begins with basic theory for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, including an introduction to quantum mechanics. Then follow lectures on chemical shift, nuclear spin interactions, spin dynamics, chemical exchange, relaxation, multi-dimensional applications (including structure determination of macromolecules) and methods for imaging and the study of self-diffusion. The last part of the course is a possibility for each student to make a deeper descent into a subject that he or she finds interesting and relevant. A visit to the MR department at the Lund University Hospital might be offered.

Practicals: An introduction to the data treatment in NMR (including topics like the Fourier transform and artefacts) is followed by practicals covering chemical exchange, relaxation, imaging and self diffusion. An extra practical might be offered as a part of the student’s intensifying task. That practical might cover, for example, structure determination, solid state NMR or molecular dynamics.

Literature
Keeler, J: Understanding NMR Spectroscopy. Wiley 2005. ISBN: 0-470-01787-2.
Instructions for practicals.
Other literature (mostly scientific articles) are handed out during the course.