Biochemistry Course Descriptions

BCHM 245 Immersion Laboratory Experience -- Molecular Cell Analysis Techniques (1/2)

Biomedical scientists work in a collaborative environment performing experiments in the lab. This course will immerse students in that environment. Students will learn what questions can be answered using tissue culture techniques while learning the techniques themselves that can then be widely applied to other research projects. Students will learn experimental techniques for studying cellular response at the molecular level and to analyze and present the data obtained. By the end of the course, students should feel comfortable and confident in the lab and ready to apply their new technical skills and knowledge to other research questions. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing with at least one laboratory course in Biology or Chemistry; J. Kirkley

BCHM 248 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

BCHM 265 Cell Biology

A comprehensive survey of the structures and functions of the cell. Organelles, membranes, and cellular processes are examined with an emphasis on biochemical aspects. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120 and 130, or CHEM 212; Offered annually, usually fall; J. Kirkley

BCHM 295 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Biochemistry not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

BCHM 301 Biochemistry I: Structure and Function

A survey of the chemical and physical nature of biological macromolecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, and the biochemistry of enzyme catalysis, bioenergetics, and regulatory mechanisms. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 and BIOL 120; Offered annually, usually spring; J. Kirkley; A. Mehl

BCHM 302 Biochemistry II: Chemistry of Metabolism

A survey of metabolism focusing on major biochemical pathways and molecular biology. Prerequisite(s): BCHM 301; Offered annually, usually winter; J. Kirkley; A. Mehl

BCHM 310 Biochemical Methods

The principles and techniques of experimental biochemistry, focusing on methods of isolation and techniques to analyze structure and function. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 and BIOL 120; Offered annually, usually spring; J. Kirkley; A. Mehl

BCHM 333 Modern Biochemical Instrumentation

A survey into the current instrumentation used in biochemical research. This will include spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, IR, CD, NMR, EPR) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The laboratory will provide insight into identification of biological molecules and also interactions between molecules. Prerequisite(s): BCHM 301 (Biochemistry majors) or permission of the instructor (others); Offered alternate years, usually fall; A. Mehl

BCHM 334 Proteins and Enzymes

A thorough examination of proteins, focusing on how the structure of a protein relates to its function and how enzymatic activity is achieved. Classical and modern techniques that are used for mechanistic investigation of enzymes are discussed. Prerequisite(s): BCHM 301 (Biochemistry majors) or permission of the instructor (others); Offered alternate years, usually fall; A. Mehl

BCHM 335 Immunology

An investigation of the mammalian immune system at the systemic, cellular and molecular levels. Prerequisite(s): BCHM 265, or BIOL 120 and 130 with permission of the instructor; Offered alternate years, usually winter or spring; J. Kirkley

BCHM 340 Pharmacology

An introduction to basic pharmacological principles: drug distribution, drug metabolism and excretion, receptor binding and toxicology. Prerequisite(s): BCHM 265, or BIOL 120 and 130 with permission of the instructor; Offered alternate years, usually winter or spring; J. Kirkley

BCHM 345 Molecular Medicine

Disease is increasingly understood at the cellular and molecular level. This course focuses on how normal cellular and molecular processes go awry during disease, draws a correlation between biochemical malfunctions and disease characteristics and outcomes, and addresses new, molecularly-based therapies that exploit knowledge of disease mechanism to effect a cure. Prerequisite(s): BCHM 265 or BIOL 120 and 130, and junior standing; Offered alternate years, usually fall or winter; J. Kirkley

BCHM 348 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

BCHM 395 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Biochemistry not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

BCHM 399 Independent Research (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): BCHM 310; Staff

BCHM 400 Advanced Studies (1/2 or 1)

See College Honors Program. Staff