Trans639 Molecular Docking

6 ECTS - 1-4 Duration (T+A)- . Semester- 3 National Credit

Information

Unit INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE (PhD) (ENGLISH) (INTERDISCIPLINARY)
Code Trans639
Name Molecular Docking
Term 2025-2026 Academic Year
Term Fall and Spring
Duration (T+A) 1-4 (T-A) (17 Week)
ECTS 6 ECTS
National Credit 3 National Credit
Teaching Language Türkçe
Level Belirsiz
Type Normal
Mode of study Yüz Yüze Öğretim
Catalog Information Coordinator Doç. Dr. Yasemin SAYGIDEĞER
Course Instructor Doç. Dr. Yasemin SAYGIDEĞER (Bahar) (A Group) (Ins. in Charge)
Biolog ERMAN SALİH İSTİFLİ (Bahar) (A Group) (Asst. Ins.)


Course Goal / Objective

The aim is to enable students to learn molecular docking methods both theoretically and practically, and to apply these approaches in drug design and biomedical research with a scientific and critical perspective.

Course Content

This course covers the fundamental principles of molecular docking, docking types and modes, conformational space search algorithms, target protein and ligand preparation, and AutoDock-based applications.

Course Precondition

Knowledge in biochemistry (completing the course Trans609 or 649)

Resources

online available tools Autoduck etc

Notes

Will be provided during the course


Course Learning Outcomes

Order Course Learning Outcomes
LO01 The ability to compare and interpret traditional and modern (computer-aided) approaches in the drug design and discovery process.
LO02 The ability to utilize fundamental knowledge from molecular biology and biochemistry (protein structure, ligand-receptor interactions) by integrating it with computer science.
LO03 The ability to explain the fundamental principles and limitations of molecular modeling and simulation methods.
LO04 The ability to define a scientific problem (e.g., screening new drug candidates) and develop solution strategies by selecting and using appropriate bioinformatics tools and databases (PDB, PubChem).
LO05 The ability to use a computer software (AutoDock) at a basic level for a specific scientific purpose and to interpret the obtained quantitative/non-quantitative outputs (binding energy, interaction diagrams).
LO06 Gaining the skill to work and communicate within an interdisciplinary team (chemistry, biology, computer science).
LO07 The ability to follow current developments in science and technology (new algorithms, software) and to improve oneself with an awareness of the necessity of lifelong learning.


Relation with Program Learning Outcome

Order Type Program Learning Outcomes Level
PLO01 Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal Develops and deepens the current and advanced level knowledge of translational medicine via unique thoughts or researches at a level of proficiency, find out original definitions that will bring innovation in the field of translational medicine.
PLO02 Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal Conceives the interdisciplinary interactions related to translational medicine; analyzes synthesizes and evaluates original and new thoughts. 3
PLO03 Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal Explains the usage of tool, devices and instruments requiered for knowledge and technologies about translational medicine and its related disciplines.
PLO04 Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal Defines frequently used statistical methods in translational medicine and related disciplines, uses statistical softwares effectively.
PLO05 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Uses both theoretical and practical knowledge at an advanced level in the studies related to translational medicine.
PLO06 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Develops a new thoughts, method and designment/application which brings innovation in translational medicine or implements a known thoughts, method and designment/application in different fields, investigates, comprehends, designs, adapts, implements an original topic. 4
PLO07 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Writes the report of his/her research which he/she participated,
PLO08 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Makes necessary investigations by using tool, devices and instrument required for knowledge and technologies about translational medicine and related disciplines at an advanced level, develops a new and creative solution (device, method, treatment, drug) for the problems.
PLO09 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Uses statistical software in the field of Translational Medicine effectively, chooses statistical methods correctly, calculates and interprets correctly.
PLO10 Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği Maintains the organization of Translational Medicine laboratories and develops solutions in case of encountering unforeseen complex situations during laboratory working hours.
PLO11 Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği Conducts scientific studies in translational medicine and related fields independently or as a team member. 3
PLO12 Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği Writes the report of his/her research in which he/she participated, publishes in a national or international reputed journal (indexing in SCI, SCI-Expanded, SSCI, or AHCI), and presents it at scientific meetings. 3
PLO13 Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği Follows evidence-based practices and conducts research on professional practices that will create evidence in their field.
PLO14 Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği Applies the principles of advanced professional development and lifelong learning in the field of Translational Medicine.
PLO15 Yetkinlikler - İletişim ve Sosyal Yetkinlik Communicate current developments and studies within the field to both professional and non-professional groups systematically using written, oral and visual techniques by supporting with quantitative and qualitative data.
PLO16 Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal Learns how to teach a concept, subject, phenomenon or case related to Translational Medicine.
PLO17 Belirsiz Communicate and discuss orally, in written and visually with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio B2 General Level.
PLO18 Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik Audit the data gathering, interpretation, implementation and announcement stages by taking into consideration the cultural, scientific, and ethic values and uses these issues for social strategy, implementation plans and frame of quality processes. 1
PLO19 Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik Knows the importance of ethical principles and ethical committees for the individual and society, acts ethically.
PLO20 Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik Increases the awareness of society about translational medicine.


Week Plan

Week Topic Preparation Methods
1 Introduction to Molecular Docking Review basic biochemistry knowledge related to the concepts of protein, ligand, and drug design. Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Tartışma
2 Traditional and Modern Drug Design Research the traditional stages of the drug discovery process. Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Grup Çalışması, Tartışma
3 Molecular Docking Technique Extract the general workflow diagram of molecular docking from a provided article. Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma
4 Molecular Docking Types To list the types of protein–ligand interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, etc.). Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Gösteri, Alıştırma ve Uygulama
5 Molecular docking modes To list the types of protein–ligand interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, etc.). Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Gösterip Yaptırma, Bireysel Çalışma
6 Conformational Space Search Algorithms Consider the countless possible 3D shapes (conformations) a ligand can adopt during binding and attempt to understand why finding the optimal binding mode within this vast sea of possibilities is a challenging problem. Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Gösterip Yaptırma, Grup Çalışması, Bireysel Çalışma
7 Pose Selection Predict the types of information (coordinates, energy score) that might be present in a docking output file. Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Gösterip Yaptırma, Grup Çalışması, Bireysel Çalışma
8 Mid-Term Exam Ölçme Yöntemleri:
Ödev
9 Docking Target (Receptor) Structure Visit the Protein Data Bank (PDB) website, search for a protein structure, and examine it. Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Gösterip Yaptırma, Grup Çalışması
10 Preparation of the receptor To download the structure with PDB ID 1HSG (HIV-1 protease inhibitor complex) from the Protein Data Bank, to record key quality metrics such as resolution, R-free value, missing amino acid residues, and the presence of bound ligands, and to develop a preliminary assessment of its suitability as a docking target. Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Gösterip Yaptırma, Bireysel Çalışma
11 Obtaining Ligand Molecules Attempt to download the 3D structure of a simple molecule from chemical databases such as PubChem or ZINC. Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Gösterip Yaptırma, Bireysel Çalışma
12 AutoDock Software Visit the official AutoDock website to learn about the software's features and versions. Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Gösterip Yaptırma
13 Protein Preparation Research the concept and purpose of the "grid box" Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Gösterip Yaptırma, Bireysel Çalışma
14 Student presentations Preparing presentation Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Soru-Cevap
15 Article discussion reading articles Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Tartışma, Soru-Cevap
16 Term Exams Ölçme Yöntemleri:
Ödev
17 Term Exams Ölçme Yöntemleri:
Performans Değerlendirmesi


Student Workload - ECTS

Works Number Time (Hour) Workload (Hour)
Course Related Works
Class Time (Exam weeks are excluded) 14 3 42
Out of Class Study (Preliminary Work, Practice) 14 6 84
Assesment Related Works
Homeworks, Projects, Others 1 6 6
Mid-term Exams (Written, Oral, etc.) 1 8 8
Final Exam 1 16 16
Total Workload (Hour) 156
Total Workload / 25 (h) 6,24
ECTS 6 ECTS

Update Time: 06.02.2026 09:24