Introduction to Molecular Modeling in Drug Discovery Online Course FAQ

Background

FAQ

Introduction to Molecular Modeling in Drug Discovery Online Course

I have registered with a start date in the future.

When will I get more information about how to access the course?

After completing your registration, you should have received an email with the subject line “Introduction to Molecular Modeling in Drug Discovery – Welcome and Confirmation of Enrollment” that has some information about your registration. Additionally, at 10:00 AM ET on the day that your course is set to open you will receive an additional email with the subject line “Introduction to Molecular Modeling in Drug Discovery — Welcome and Credentials!” with everything you will need to get started with the course. If you have not received either of those emails please make sure to first check your Spam and Junk folders and let us know so we can find other ways to deliver the information.

How can I change my course start date?

You can modify your course registration here, and choose a new time frame that works for you. This is also a great page to double-check your end-dates across courses.

I am currently taking the course.

How do I access the course page?

You can access the course page by going to courses.schrodinger.com/enrollments. That site is only for accessing the course content. Your username for the course page will be your email, and your temporary password will be shared in an email with the subject line “Introduction to Molecular Modeling in Drug Discovery — Welcome and Credentials!

To register for another course go to schrodinger.com/learn/training/schrodinger-online-learning, find your desired course, and register there.

How do I access the virtual cluster (i.e. how do I access Maestro and LiveDesign)?

Your credentials for the virtual cluster that you will use to access web-based Maestro were shared in an email with the subject line “Introduction to Molecular Modeling in Drug Discovery — Welcome and Credentials!”. If you have not received that email please make sure to first check your Spam and Junk folders and let us know so we can find other ways to deliver the information. Your username with the Maestro virtual workstation will be a user number, for instance “user5”.

To access the virtual cluster, choose the geographic region that is closest to you:

North America/South America access
Europe/Africa/Asia/Australia access

Please be aware that Maestro is not the same as Maestro Elements. Ensure that you open Maestro for your work within the course.

Your LiveDesign username will also be a user number, for instance “user5”.
Global LiveDesign access: livedesign-courses.onschrodinger.com/livedesign/static/login.html

Please note that each Schrödinger Online Course has a different set of virtual cluster URLs. If you have enrolled in multiple courses please be sure to use the correct course-specific URL to log into the virtual workstation for the course you are currently working on. The virtual clusters require high-speed internet for ideal performance.

Please also remember that uploading or downloading files or data to web-based Maestro that are not related to the course is strictly prohibited.

If I have my own version of the Schrödinger software suite, can I use this instead of the virtual cluster access?

The virtual cluster comes equipped with all of the files and licenses needed for working through the course, and conveniently we have the ability to troubleshoot in your instance if you run into any issues. However, you are welcome to use your local installation of Maestro if you choose! You can download the course project files here.

Please note that this is a rather large file download and may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed. The course uses the 2022-4 version of the software. If you are using a different version, your screen may not match the videos.

Can I work on the course on the weekend and over the holidays?

Yes! We encourage you to take your time when working on weekends or over the holidays. As our online course support team works 9am-5pm ET working hours and observes US holidays you may notice a delay in grading or email responses when the company is closed. Rest assured we will take the time to review your queries and grade your submissions when we return to the office. We work to ensure the course sessions take into account these delays when choosing start and end dates.

I only have one screen, so it’s tricky to watch videos and follow along. What can I do?

If you have an additional monitor, we’d recommend using both. If you are limited to one screen, you can try printing out the downloadable material and using that to guide you. Also, feel free to pause videos at any point to catch up on web-based Maestro or LiveDesign.

Can I skip over course content and still finish the course?

Technically, yes, you are welcome to bounce around to complete the modules most relevant to you. Completion of the course is determined by the certified completion of the final case study assignment. However, to receive the full benefit of the course, we recommend that you complete all of the components of each module.

Why is web-based Maestro slow? When I rotate structures, my screen is jumpy

The usability of web-based Maestro is dependent upon the available internet speed. Access to a computer with a high-speed internet connection (8 Mbps or better) is recommended. You can check your internet speed here.

My Maestro jobs are taking a while to complete. What should I do?

There are two different hosts that you could use to run jobs in the Maestro instance that we are hosting – localhost, and compute(40) or cpu(64). The default host is localhost, and we recommend using it for any calculation that is expected to take fewer than 2 minutes. For any calculation that we anticipate will take more than 2 minutes, we recommend using the compute(40) or cpu(64) host (and have indicated that explicitly in the instructions). It may take a few minutes to spin up the node when you are using it for the first time, so please be patient. To change your host, click the cog next to the Job name, and click the dropdown next to the CPU host to choose compute(40) or cpu(64) depending on the instance you are on.

I’m getting an error every time I try to save a file, or run a job that leads to a pop-up that says “An error has occurred”

The root of your issue is very likely that your Working Directory is set to a directory that you do not have ‘write access’ to – in this case it would be the course-data folder. If you change your working directory to a different folder (such as the Course folder on your Desktop) you will no longer see these issues.

I can’t find the file/project file that I’m looking for

Make sure that you’re looking in the correct place for the specific file type you are looking for. For Project files, make sure to go to File > Open Project — when you do that you will not be able to see regular structure files (though they can still be present in your directory). For structure files, make sure to go to File > Import Structure.

I don’t have a Job Server

Please note that your local instance of Maestro may have a Job Server or Job Monitor. The functionality is very similar for each. The Job Server allows calculations to be run on remote compute resources while you are away from the workstation.

I cannot find and open Ligand_Designer.prjzip

In Maestro, navigate to the upper left corner and choose File > Change Working Directory. Select the Course-data folder on your Desktop as your Working Directory. Next, go to File > Open Project and choose Ligand_Designer.prjzip

I have submitted my assignment and am waiting for grading

Schrödinger Education Team members are based in the US, so grading of assignments may have a delay depending on when they are submitted. In general, we strive to have a quick response during regular business hours and will do the best we can during our evenings. Please do not expect a response over the weekend. The end of the course can get a bit busier than normal as it’s essentially “crunch time” for many participants. We appreciate your patience here. We will be sure to provide you with assignment feedback with enough time to resubmit to earn a course certificate.

How do I log out of the Maestro Virtual Workstation?

When done working in the virtual cluster, close down all of the open windows and logout. For Mac users, press SHIFT + CTRL + CMD and for Windows users, press SHIFT + CTRL + WINDOWS/START KEY. A panel appears on the left side of the screen. Click on your username at the top-right corner and click logout

When I try to open my Maestro project I get a message saying “The requested project is currently in use by another Maestro session…

This message arises when the Maestro session was not closed before logging off the virtual cluster. Click “Yes” to proceed. For best practices, please make sure you close Maestro before logging off the virtual cluster.

Can I have an extension?

The timing of this course has been found to work well with the schedule of a participant with a full-time role. However, we understand that schedules are dynamic and we would like to ensure all participants feel they have adequate time to complete the course modules and final assignment. Due to the nature of the computational resources that are provisioned for the course, extensions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please fill out this form to request an extension.

I can’t view the additional resource links

Additional resources support and expand upon the content presented in each module. Please note that some resources require a journal subscription and/or fee to be paid by the viewer. Access to these publications is not provided with this course. I would encourage you to see if your company or organization has access to these databases.

I have completed the course.

How do I access my course certificate and badge?

Your certificate and badge will be available within the course platform when you reach 100% completion for your course. Be sure to complete any unfinished lessons and be aware that assignments need to be approved by a Schrödinger scientist before an assignment lesson is considered complete.

What are the computer requirements and the cost of the Maestro program for individual use?

Jobs through this introductory course use a 4CPU node with 7200 memory. If you would like additional details for running locally on your own machine, please email help@schrodinger.com. You may also find this Documentation Page useful that dives into hardware requirements for running Schrödinger’s Maestro. Please request sales information here.

Will the material still be available after the course ends?

While access to the software will end when the course closes, some of the material within the course (slides, papers, tutorials, and scripts) are available for download so that you can refer back to it after the course. Other materials, such as videos and quizzes on the course platform, will be available for 2-3 months following the end of your course session.

Molecular Modeling for Materials Science Applications Online Course FAQ

Background

FAQ

Molecular Modeling for Materials Science Applications Online Course

I have registered with a start date in the future

When will I get more information about how to access the course?

After completing your registration, you should have received an email with the subject line “Molecular Modeling for Materials Science Applications — Welcome!” that has some information about your registration. Additionally, at 10:00 AM ET on the day that your course is set to open you will receive an additional email with the subject line “Molecular Modeling for Materials Science Applications — Welcome and Credentials” with everything you will need to get started with the course.

If you have not received either of those emails please make sure to first check your Spam and Junk folders and let us know by emailing online-learning-materials@schrodinger.com so we can find other ways to deliver the information.

How do I change my course start date?

You can modify your course registration here, and choose a new time frame that works for you. This is also a great page to double-check your end-dates across courses.

Do I need to have Schrödinger software installed to take this course?

No software is required. Only high-speed internet is needed to perform the course modules.

I am currently taking the course

How do I access the course page?

You can access the course page by going to courses.schrodinger.com/enrollments. That site is only for accessing the course content — to register for another course go to schrodinger.com/materials-science/learn/education/courses find your desired course, and register there.

How do I access the virtual cluster (i.e. how do I access Materials Science Maestro)?

Your credentials for the virtual cluster that you will use to access web-based Materials Science (MS) Maestro were shared in an email with the subject line “Molecular Modeling for Materials Science Applications — Welcome and Credentials”. If you have not received that email please make sure to first check your Spam and Junk folders and let us know so we can find other ways to deliver the information. Your virtual cluster credentials are different from your course content credentials. To access the virtual cluster, choose the geographic region that is closest to you:

North America/South America access

Europe/Africa/Asia/Australia access

I’m getting an error every time I try to save a file, or run a job that leads to a pop-up that says “An error has occurred”

The root of your issue is very likely that your Working Directory is set to a directory that you do not have ‘write access’ to – in this case it would be the course-data folder. If you change your working directory to a different folder (such as the Course folder on your Desktop) you will no longer see these issues.

I can’t find the file/project file that I’m looking for

Make sure that you’re looking in the correct place for the specific file type you are looking for. For Project files, make sure to go to File > Open Project – when you do that you will not be able to see regular structure files (though they can still be present in your directory). For structure files, make sure to go to File > Import Structure.

I don’t have a Job Server

Please note that your local instance of MS Maestro may have a Job Server or Job Monitor. The functionality is very similar for each. The Job Server allows calculations to be run on remote compute resources while you are away from the workstation.

My job completed but the file did not import into my project

If your completed job file unexpectedly does not import automatically into your MS Maestro project, please go to File > Import Structure and navigate to the file of interest.

When I try to open my Maestro project I get a message saying “The requested project is currently in use by another Maestro session…

This message arises when the MS Maestro session was not closed before logging off the virtual cluster. Click “Yes” to proceed. For best practices, please make sure you close MS Maestro before logging off the virtual cluster.

Do I need to keep MS Maestro open for my calculations to run?

No, you do not need to keep MS Maestro open when running calculations. All calculations will continue to run on the server when you log off the virtual machine.

My jobs seem to fail without any apparent reason

Email us at online-learning-materials@schrodinger.com and we will look into your calculation. Please wait for a reply with assistance, thank you.

I have submitted my assignment and am waiting for grading

Schrödinger Education Team members are based in the US, so grading of assignments may have a delay depending on when they are submitted. In general, we strive to have a quick response during regular business hours and will do the best we can during our evenings. Please do not expect a response over the weekend.

The end of the course can get a bit busier than normal as it’s essentially “crunch time” for many participants. We appreciate your patience here. We will be sure to provide you with assignment feedback with enough time to resubmit to earn a course certificate.

If I have questions who do I contact?

You can email online-learning-materials@schrodinger.com for any course related questions.

Can I have an extension?

The timing of this course has been found to work well with the schedule of a participant with a full-time role. However, we understand that schedules are dynamic and we would like to ensure all participants feel they have adequate time to complete the course modules and final assignment. Due to the nature of the computational resources that are provisioned for the course, extensions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please fill out this form to request an extension.

If I have my own version of the Schrödinger software suite, can I use this instead of the virtual cluster access?

The virtual cluster comes equipped with all of the files needed for working through the course, so it is necessary to perform the course modules there.

I am participating in the course bundle. Do I need to repeat course content that appears in multiple courses?

In general, no. Some videos, in particular introductory videos and introductions to methodologies, are the same across several courses. There is no need to rewatch these videos unless you would like to. In cases where a tutorial appears in several courses, it is worth skimming through, because sometimes the tutorials are catered to the specific course.

Can I skip over course content and still finish the course?

Technically, yes. Completion of the course is determined entirely by the Module 6 Independent Case Study. However, to receive the full benefit of the course, we recommend that you complete all of the components of each module.

I have completed the course

How do I access my course certificate and badge?

Your certificate and badge will be available within the course platform when you reach 100% completion for your course. Be sure to complete any unfinished lessons and be aware that assignments need to be approved by a Schrödinger scientist before an assignment lesson is considered complete.

After the course, can I continue to use MS Maestro for my own research?

Unfortunately, the virtual cluster is only used for our online certification courses. If you are interested in using MS Maestro for your own research, please reach out and we can provide you more information on how to bring Schrödinger tools to your research group.

Python API

Python API

Using the Schrödinger API

At the highest level, the Schrödinger Python Application Programming Interface (API) provides a base molecular structure class and allows for programmatic interaction with Maestro and Schrödinger computational products. You can use it to automate workflows and extend the software’s core functionality.

NOTE: This documentation provides an overview of the API but does not provide the level of detail given in the class and function API documentation. It is aimed at a developer who already knows Python (or can pick it up on their own) and wants to use our API to complete a scientific project.

Explore Schrödinger API

Getting Started
Find out how to get started using Schrödinger Python Scripts.
Core Concepts
Learn how to work with structures (the fundamental class in our modules), including reading, writing, querying and modifying them.
Interacting with Maestro
Interact with the Workspace and Project Table using Python, and install your own custom scripts as Maestro menu items.
Glide
A tutorial on using the Glide API for generating and reading grids, scoring poses or computing their energy, and performing individual steps of the docking funnel.
Working with MD Simulation Data
The Desmond package contains modules for various operations such as reading, converting, and analyzing trajectories.
Jaguar
The Jaguar package has modules to help set up and run quantum-mechanical calculations using Jaguar and to parse the results.
Enrichment
The analysis enrichment helps to calculate enrichments based on known actives and the number of decoys in screen.
Product Specific Modules
MacroModel and Prime packages help set up and run associated tasks.
Jobcontrol
Information and instructions on how to run Jobcontrol (a tool for running tasks asynchronously and, optionally, on different machines) scripts.
Cookbook
This cookbook aims to give short, self-contained, runnable code samples to perform common tasks that would be assembled into a larger script.
Schrödinger Python API
Links to all the Schrödinger Python modules that can be used for scripting.
Examples of the Python API in use

See the scripts included with the release at $SCHRODINGER/mmshare-v*/python/common$SCHRODINGER/mmshare-v*/python/scripts contains code for most of the panels inside of Maestro.

Additional Resources

Tutorials

Step-by-step instructions for performing tasks and analyzing data

Documentation

In-depth reference information about applications, workflows, and interfaces

Knowledge Base

Frequently asked questions with solutions and troubleshooting for technical issues

MS Reactivity

MS Reactivity

Automated workflows for design, optimization, and unsupervised mechanism discovery in molecular chemistry

Materials Science: Reactivity

Overview

MS Reactivity offers a comprehensive suite of computational capabilities that enable highly automated workflows for molecular (catalyst) design, reaction optimization, and unsupervised mechanism discovery in molecular chemistry. Its two flagship tools are Reaction Network Enumeration Profiler (RxnEnumProfiler) and Nanoreactor. Complementing these is CREST GUI, a user-friendly interface for CREST – a utility and driver program for the semiempirical quantum chemistry package xTB.

RxnEnumProfiler

Virtual high-throughput screening (vHTS) of reaction networks is a computational strategy for systematically evaluating large libraries of chemical species within a fixed reaction topology—that is, a predefined sequence of mechanistic steps involving reactants, products, intermediates, and/or transition states that characterize a catalytic or chemical process. RxnEnumProfiler is a fully automated, massively parallel workflow specifically developed to enable this process. It functions by automatically enumerating a user-defined reference reaction network and computing the corresponding free energy profiles (FEPs). These profiles are calculated as either Boltzmann-averaged conformational ensemble Gibbs free energies (GBA) or lowest-energy conformer G values, based on a specified quantum mechanical level of theory.

RxnEnumProfiler. Virtual high-throughput screening of reaction networks

 

Nanoreactor

Automated reaction discovery lies at the heart of predictive chemistry, enabling chemists to design chemical processes that are smarter, faster, cleaner, and more efficient. Nanoreactor – Elementary Reaction Network, a tool by Schrödinger, automates the identification of energetically relevant elementary reactions starting from a known local minimum on the xTB potential energy surface, using root-mean-square deviation (RMSD)-based metadynamics. When combined with AutoTS, it enables efficient generation and refinement of an Elementary Reaction Network (ERN) using xTB, machine-learned force fields (MLFF), or DFT methods. Complementing this, Potential Energy Surface Sampling-Sorting enhances Nanoreactor’s capabilities by systematically exploring and ranking minima states on xTB, MLFF-corrected or DFT-corrected free energy surface. Since chemical reactions tend to follow the downhill path on the free energy surface, this feature focuses on pinpointing the most probable final products.

Nanoreactor graphic
Nanoreactor graphic

CREST GUI

CREST GUI panel offers access to various algorithms implemented in CREST 3.0, a utility and driver program for the semiempirical quantum chemistry package xTB.1,2 The program’s name originated as an abbreviation for Conformer – Rotamer Ensemble Sampling Tool as it was developed as a program for conformational sampling at the extended tight-binding level GFN-xTB. Since then several functionalities have been added to the code. In its current state, the program provides a variety of sampling procedures, for example for improved thermochemistry, or explicit solvation.

References:

  1. https://github.com/grimme-lab/xtb
  2. https://crest-lab.github.io/crest-docs/

Case studies & webinars

Discover how Schrödinger technology is being used to solve real-world research challenges.

Materials Science Webinar

Schrödinger Materials Science Seminar Japan 2024 

《無料Webセミナー》材料開発向けシミュレーション・ソフトウェアおよびマテリアルズ・インフォマティクスの活用事例を紹介。

Materials Science Webinar

Taking experimentation digital: Materials innovation using atomistic simulation and machine learning at-scale

In this webinar, we introduce a modern approach to materials R&D using a digital chemistry platform for in silico analysis, optimization and discovery.

Materials Science Webinar

Automated digital prediction of chemical degradation products

In this webinar, we present Schrödinger’s enhanced Nanoreactor, expanding upon the tool developed by Grimme and co-workers with many new features, including improved energy refinement of results and integrated user interface.

Materials Science Webinar

In silico materials development: Integrating atomistic simulation into academic chemistry and engineering labs

In this webinar, we explore Schrödinger’s leading physics-based and machine learning computational technologies and provide a comprehensive introduction to the capabilities of computational modeling in chemistry, materials science, and engineering.

Materials Science Case Study

Molecular dynamics simulations accelerate the development and optimization of recyclable tire materials

Materials Science Case Study

Exploration and validation of polycyanurate thermoset crosslinking mechanisms

Materials Science Webinar

Accelerating the Design of Asymmetric Catalysts with a Digital Chemistry Platform

In this webinar, we demonstrate how Schrödinger’s advanced digital chemistry platform can be used to accelerate the direct design and discovery of asymmetric catalysts.

Materials Science Webinar

Quick Start Workshop: Materials Simulation for Experimentalists

In this webinar, learn how an experimentalist can take advantage of simulation and modeling, as well as practical knowledge about how to get started.

Materials Science Webinar

How to Adopt the Next-Generation of Materials Screening for Catalysis Discovery: In Silico Design at the Enterprise Scale

In this webinar, learn how catalysts facilitate the creation of almost all synthetic materials we interact with every day.

Materials Science Webinar

A chemist’s view on R&D digitalization

In this webinar, we illustrate how the integration of Schrödinger’s machine learning technologies with physics based modelling can be utilized to predict properties of new materials.

Documentation & Tutorials

Get answers to common questions and learn best practices for using Schrödinger’s software.

Materials Science Tutorial

Catalytic Selectivity Through Microkinetic Modeling

Learn to analyze the selectivity of the catalytic oxidation of CO and H2 on a Pd(111) surface using Microkinetic Modeling (MKM) calculations.

Materials Science Documentation

MS Reactivity

Automated workflows for design, optimization, and unsupervised mechanism discovery in molecular chemistry.

Materials Science Documentation

Materials Science Panel Explorer

Quickly learn which Schrödinger tools are the best fit for your research.

Materials Science Tutorial

Nanoreactor

Learn to leverage the nanoreactor tool to explore chemical compound and reaction space without any prior knowledge of the reaction products.

Materials Science Tutorial

Microkinetic Modeling

Learn to generate a microkinetic model to study the activity of a heterogeneous catalyst for COO (carbon monoxide oxidation).

Materials Science Tutorial

Activation Energies for Reactivity in Solids and on Surfaces

Learn to model the transition state of a reaction of a small molecule on a surface via the nudged elastic band method.

Materials Science Tutorial

RxnProfiler for Polyethene Insertion

Calculate polyethylene insertion reaction barriers for a novel catalyst based on a template catalyst.

Materials Science Tutorial

Design of Asymmetric Catalysts with Reaction Network Enumeration Profiler

Use automated reaction workflow (AutoRXNWF) and related tools to design asymmetric molecular catalysts based on enantioselectivity

Related Products

Learn more about the related computational technologies available to progress your research projects.

Jaguar

Quantum mechanics solution for rapid and accurate prediction of molecular structures and properties

MS Maestro

Complete modeling environment for your materials discovery

LiveDesign

Your complete digital molecular design lab

MacroModel

Versatile, full-featured molecular modeling program

OPLS4 & OPLS5 Force Field

A modern, comprehensive force field for accurate molecular simulations

MS Informatics

Automated machine learning tools for materials science applications

AutoTS

Automatic workflow for locating transition states for elementary reactions

Broad applications across materials
science research areas

Get more from your ideas by harnessing the power of large-scale chemical exploration and accurate
in silico molecular prediction.

Catalysis & Reactivity
Polymeric Materials
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Organic Electronics
Energy Capture & Storage
Consumer Packaged Goods

Schedule a consultation on Schrödinger’s reactivity solutions.

Contact us today to explore how you can leverage advanced simulation and AI/ML for reactivity.

Don’t see your areas of interest above? Reach out so we can help.

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Training & Resources

Online certification courses

Level up your skill set with hands-on, online molecular modeling courses. These self-paced courses cover a range of scientific topics and include access to Schrödinger software and support.

Tutorials

Learn how to deploy the technology and best practices of Schrödinger software for your project success. Find training resources, tutorials, quick start guides, videos, and more.

Progress in understanding atomic level processing at the atomic scale

JUN 23, 2023

Progress in understanding atomic level processing at the atomic scale

Speaker

Simon Elliott
Director – Atomic Level Process Simulation

Abstract

In this talk, we will dip into stories about how simulations have advanced our understanding of the growth mechanisms of ALD, and lately of ALE too. We will also sketch out work on nucleation onto substrates, metal deposition, plasma-surface reactions and precursor design. Building on this, simulations are now showing how to control continuous versus self-limiting processes, and deposition versus etch.

We will emphasize how collaboration has been the main driver of this work, always checking and challenging the relevance of the model results for actual experiments. The wider uptake of atomic-scale modelling as a research tool is confirming its usefulness and impact.

As long as computer power continues to snowball, the future for modelling process chemistry is bright. We are looking forward to finding improved precursors through the semi-autonomous exploration of chemical space. Machine-learning techniques are opening up areas that were out-of-bounds to simulations based on physical laws, such as prediction of complex properties and increased accuracy in interatomic potentials for large systems.