Courses in Biological Chemistry (Division 517)

Biol. Chem. 415. Introductory Biochemistry.

Two terms of organic chemistry. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Biol. 310 or 311, or Chem. 451/452. I. (3-4). (Excl). (BS).

A one-term introductory biochemistry course that covers the biochemistry of the living state; the chemistry of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and steroids; energy transformations and chemical reactions in living cells; function of immune system and action of hormones; and self-regulation and self-replication of living organisms. Students may elect a fourth credit hour by participating in a weekly seminar, presented jointly by clinicians and basic scientists, which correlates 415 lecture material with human disease through the use of clinical case studies.

Biol. Chem. 416. Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory.

Quantitative Analysis; Prior or concurrent election of Biol. Chem. 415 or Chem. 451/452. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Biol. 429 or Biol. Chem. 516. I. (3). (Excl). (BS). Laboratory fee ($50) required.

A basic course in how to conduct and interpret biochemical laboratory experiments. Experiments include: spectrophotometry, enzymatic (including coupled) and protein assays, enzyme purification and kinetics, thermodynamic measurements, DNA manipulations, including mapping and cloning, PCR, and forensic testing.

Biol. Chem. 499. Biochemical Research for Undergraduates: Laboratory.

Biol. Chem. 415 or Chem. 451/452; permission of the course director. I, II, and III. (1-6; 1-4 in the half-term). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for credit.

This course provides an opportunity for students to develop a special research project under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

Biol. Chem. 572. Control of Gene Expression.

Biol. Chem. 571. Physical chemistry and genetics are strongly recommended. I. (1). (Excl). (BS).

Course addresses transcription mechanism and controls, especially in eukaryotes.

Biol. Chem. 573. Enzyme Kinetics and Ligand Binding.

Biol. Chem. 570 or equivalent. Physical chemistry is strongly recommended. II. (1). (Excl). (BS).

A detailed examination of ligand binding and steady state kinetics, including an introduction to rapid reaction kinetics. Problem sets are an important component of the course.

Biol. Chem. 574. Catalysis.

Biol. Chem. 570 and 573. Physical chemistry is strongly recommended. II. (1). (Excl). (BS).

Enzyme Catalysis.

Biol. Chem. 575(576). Protein Trafficking.

Two terms of organic chemistry; Biol. Chem. 415 or Chem. 451/452. I. (1). (Excl). (BS).

An introduction to membrane structure and protein sorting and trafficking. The course also includes a section on recognition of cell surfaces.

Biol. Chem. 576(575). Signal Transduction.

Two terms of organic chemistry; Biol. Chem. 415 or Chem. 451/452, and Biol. Chem. 570. Physical Chemistry is strongly recommended. I. (1). (Excl). (BS).

Receptors; effector systems; oncogenes as signal transducers; interactions of signal transduction pathways.

Biol. Chem. 577. Metabolic Regulation.

Two terms of organic chemistry; Biol. Chem. 415 or Chem. 451/452; and Biol. Chem. 570, 573, and 576. I. (1). (Excl). (BS).

General aspects of metabolic regulation, with an emphasis on the integration of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Biol. Chem. 578. Biochemical Techniques.

Two terms of organic chemistry; Biol. Chem. 415 or Chem. 451/452. Physical chemistry is strongly recommended. I. (1). (Excl). (BS).

In-depth discussions of important techniques in biochemistry research, including primary sequence determination of proteins; protein purification; spectroscopy; computer-assisted analysis of structure; computer analysis of DNA and protein sequences; protein chemistry; immunological techniques; identifying a gene in a library; electrophoresis; and, directed mutagenesis.