BIOLCHEM 515 provides a broad introduction to the fascinating field of biochemistry. This course is taught by medical school faculty and emphasizes the relevance of biochemistry to health, disease, physiology and medicine. Students will explore the molecular basis and chemical principles pertinent to living systems, including eukaryotes, bacteria, and viruses. The structures and functions of the four major molecules of life (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids) and their biosynthetic pathways will be examined. Students will learn the fundamental biological processes including energetics, metabolism, protein structure and enzyme function. The transmission of information within and between cells will be studied including signal transduction and the genetic processes of replication, transcription, and translation. Students will also learn the biochemical roles of vitamins, enzyme cofactors, hormones, drugs, antibiotics, and toxins. The biochemical basis of several diseases will be explored including cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, infectious diseases, and metabolic and genetic syndromes. In all of these topics, we stress the integration of metabolism and the various modes of regulation that are vital to biological processes and physiology. Techniques and technologies used to study biochemistry and their relevance to understanding biology will be illustrated.
Course Requirements:
Graduate students are required to write an analysis of a primary research paper to receive graduate level credit.
Intended Audience:
BIOLCHEM 515 provides a broad survey of biochemistry in 1 semester for graduate students. This course is excellent preparation for students considering careers in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, medicine, genetics, dentistry, pharmacy, medicinal chemistry, nutrition, public health, bioengineering, environmental studies, and other healthcare-related fields.
Class Format:
BIOLCHEM 515 is a 3 cr course with 3, 1 hr lectures/week. Instructors hold weekly office hours & GSIs help students learn the material. Learning is enhanced through multiple activities including lectures, online videos and learning aides, discussion sessions, and active learning exercises. Students are provided with the lecture slides as well as BlueReview audio and video recordings of the lectures. Problem sets and discussions facilitate learning and enhance test-taking skills.