BCHE-BIOCHEMISTRY

BCHE 140. Introduction to Biochemistry - 1 cr.

A description of the nature of inquiry in biochemistry, especially with respect to the interaction of chemistry and biology. Both historical development and topics of current interest will be discussed. Graded S/U.

BCHE 241. Introduction to Research in Biochemistry - 1-3 cr.

Techniques and procedures of biochemical research. Prerequisites: 8 credits of chemistry and 3.0 GPA in chemistry. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.

BCHE 341. Survey of Biochemistry - 4 cr. (3+3P)

Basic principles of biochemical processes and the structure/function of the major classes of biomolecules, with introductions to metabolism and the central dogma of biochemistry. The chemical and biological properties of major biomolecules (DNA, proteins, Prerequisite(s): C or better in CHEM 211 or Chem 313.

BCHE 395. Biochemistry I - 3 cr.

Principles governing chemistry and physics of life processes with emphasis on the relationships between molecular structure and cell function. Basic principles of biochemical processes and the structure/function of the major classes of biomolecules with introductions to metabolism. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 314.

BCHE 396. Biochemistry II - 3 cr.

Biochemical principles of transcription, replication, recombination, and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Recombinant DNA technology and expression of foreign DNA in heterologous expression systems, with applications to biotechnology. Taught with BCHE 396 H. Prerequisite(s): C or better in BCHE 395.

BCHE 396 H. Biochemistry II Honors - 3 cr.

Taught with BCHE 396 with additional work required.

BCHE 397. Experimental Biochemistry Laboratory - 3 cr.

Introduction to fundamental techniques used to explore structure and function of biological macromolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acid. Course covers analyzing and reporting experimental data; enzymology; quantitative methods to determine biological molecules; basic principles of electrophoresis, chromatography, and spectroscopic immunochemistry. Prerequisite: C or better in BCHE 395. Corequisite: BCHE 396.

BCHE 432. Physical Biochemistry - 3 cr.

This course focuses on modern Biophysical techniques used in protein and nucleic acid research. Topics are covered in some detail at the theoretical level. The course content is delivered entirely by podcast. Podcast contributions are from several different faculty from within their particular area(s) of expertise. Topics covered include (but are not limited to): biomolecular NMR, atomic force microscopy, light scattering, circular dichroism, ultracentrifugation, isothermal titration calorimetry, positron emission tomography, computerized tomography, ultrasound, functional MRI, protein fluorescence, mass spec/ proteomics, protein molecular dynamics simulations, and X-ray diffraction. Course credit qualifies for minor degree in chemistry as a physical-analytical chemistry emphasis. Prerequisite: One semester of undergraduate physical chemistry, e.g. CHEM 431, or CHEM 433.

BCHE 440. Biochemistry Seminar - 1 cr.

Introduction to current literature in biochemistry and molecular biology. Selected topics in the field will be presented by the faculty. Students will present written and oral reports from literature searches. Prerequisite: BCHE 395.

BCHE 441. Advanced Research in Biochemistry - 1-3 cr.

Investigation of biochemical problems and the development of special techniques. Prerequisites: consent of instructor, 16 credits of chemistry and 3.0 GPA in chemistry for nonmajors. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.

BCHE 441 H. Advanced Research in Biochemistry Honors - 1-3 cr.

Same as BCHE 441. Additional work to be arranged. Prerequisites: consent of instructor, 16 credits of chemistry and 3.0 GPA in chemistry for nonmajors. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.

BCHE 446. Biochemistry III - 3 cr.

Intermediary metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids. Metabolic pathways discussed with emphasis on biochemical regulation and mechanistic, structural, functional, and evolutionary basis for existence. Prerequisite(s): BCHE 395 and either BCHE 396 or consent of instructor.

BCHE 451. Special Topics - 1-3 cr.

Same as CHEM 451. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.

BCHE 455. Independent Studies - 1-3 cr.

Independent studies directed by consulting faculty. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

BCHE 494. Techniques in Genetic Engineering - 4 cr. (2+6P)

Basic laboratory techniques required for research involving recombinant DNA technology: structured experimental procedures, including nucleic acid isolation and purification, as well as the identification and manipulation of genes and genetic material of both bacterial and plant origin. Prerequisites: BCHE 395, 396, and consent of instructor.