Biochemistry Courses
309. Biochemistry.
The course is organized around several themes: the relationship of structure to function in biomolecules, production of energy, regulation and control of metabolism. Topics covered to illustrate these themes include enzyme action and regulation, hemoglobin and the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, metabolism of carbohydrates for energy production, structure and function of biological membranes, and structure and function of molecules involved in transmission and expression of genetic information. Prerequisite: CHEM 222 with a grade of 2.0 or higher or permission of instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular track). Also offered as BIOL 309 and CHEM 309.
394. Research Methods in Biochemistry. (0.5 unit)
This course focuses on introducing basic laboratory techniques and skills that are common in fields related to biochemistry. Attention is paid to both theory and application. Students keep a detailed laboratory notebook and write up an extended project in the style of a journal article. Prerequisites: CHEM 222 and any one of BIOL 231, 245, 250, 391 or CHEM 309 (which can be taken as a co-requisite). Required for the biochemistry major and also carries credit toward the biology major/minor and the chemistry major/minor. Also offered as BIOL 394 and CHEM 394.
395. Research Methods in Molecular Biology.
Molecular techniques have revolutionized how biologists address problems in genetics, medicine, ecology, systematics, conservation and many other fields. Students obtain hands-on experience using basic and advanced molecular techniques, such as western blotting, nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) isolation and purification, DNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to study gene expression and genetic variability. The molecular techniques studied are the same used in laboratories worldwide. In addition to gaining practical experience in the laboratory, students learn about the theories behind each molecular protocol and study how biologists apply molecular techniques to answer fundamental biological questions. Prerequisites: BIOL 245, 250 or 394. Also offered as BIOL 395.
415. Advanced Biochemistry.
A variety of topics are covered in depth, depending on student interest. The course begins with an overview of metabolism, its hormonal regulation, and signaling pathways. Other topics may include protein synthesis and targeting, molecular immunology, sensory systems and neurotransmission, membrane transport, and photosynthesis. Through both written and oral presentation, students develop their abilities to use the scientific literature and communicate in science. Prerequisite: CHEM 309 or permission of instructor. Counts toward neuroscience major (cellular track). Also offered as CHEM 415.
468,469. SYE: Tutorial Research. (.5 or 1 unit)
Mentored study and research that is not experimental in design yet requires the analysis of primary literature-based data and the integration of this with current knowledge of the subject matter. A thorough understanding of the methodologies used in acquiring the published data is critical for this integration. This research will be presented according to either the biology or chemistry department guidelines. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.
489, 490. SYE: Experimental Research. (.5 or 1 unit)
Research projects for students desiring to pursue directed, experimental research in biochemistry. Students integrate acquired research skills and subject knowledge to collect original experimental data and to analyze the results in reference to the existing scientific primary literature. Under the direction of a faculty mentor, students conduct their SYE research project following either chemistry or biology department guidelines. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.
499. Honors Projects. (.5 or 1 unit)
Graduation with honors in biochemistry requires exceptional academic accomplishment as demonstrated by a biochemistry (combined biology, chemistry and biochemistry) GPA of 3.5 or above and the completion of a second semester of SYE honors research. Under the direction of a faculty mentor, students conduct their SYE honors research project following either chemistry or biology department guidelines. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.