Course Descriptions

BIOC 503, 504 - (4) (S)
General Biochemistry
Prerequisites: Calculus, organic chemistry, physical chemistry. Some introductory knowledge assumed.
This integrated course provides the necessary background at the professional level for careers in a variety of biological and physical sciences.

BIOC 505, 506 - (2-6) (S)
Biochemical Projects
Open only to graduate students in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
An introduction to biochemical research. During the year the student carries out two or more research projects of limited scope under the direction of staff members.

BIOC 508 - (3) (SI)
Computer Analysis of DNA and Protein Sequences
Prerequisite: MICR 811 or permission of instructor
A survey of computer methods for analyzing DNA and protein sequences. Discussion of analytical methods includes DNA and protein sequence comparisons; recognition of patterns in DNA and protein sequences; finding genes; protein structure prediction; analysis of protein 3-D structure; and construction of evolutionary trees.

BIOC 510 - (2) (SI)
DNA Replication
Prerequisites: BIOC 503 or permission of instructor
An examination of the process of DNA replication in prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral systems. Topics include DNA structure and function; origins of DNA replication; inhibitors of DNA replication; enzymes of DNA replication; and protein-nucleic acid interactions.

BIOC 701, 702 - (2) (S)
Introduction to Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
Prerequisites: One year of undergraduate physical chemistry plus either BIOC 503/504 or CHEM 743/ 744; these prerequisites may be waived by permission of instructor
An overview of physical approaches for examining the detailed structure and dynamics of biological molecules. First semester concentrates on the thermodynamics and kinetics of biochemical interactions, with a view to describing phenomena such as ligand binding, cooperativity, conformational changes of proteins and nucleic acids, and biochemical regulation. In the second semester the emphasis is on spectroscopy, including optical as well as magnetic resonance methods. X-ray, electron, and neutron diffraction methods will also be introduced, as will direct imaging techniques such as electron and scanning tunneling microscopy.

BIOC 703, 704 - (1) (S)
Advanced Concepts in Biophysical Chemistry
Prerequisites: BIOC 701, 702 must be taken concurrently with 703, 704 (corequisite), prerequisites for 701, 702 are applicable as well to 703, 704
In-depth treatment of selected topics presented in BIOC 701, 702. Emphasizes the use of more quantitative tools (such as partition functions, statistical calculus, elementary group theory, quantum mechanical operators, and matrix algebra) to explain the phenomena presented in the introductory course.

BIOC 801, 802 - (3) (SI)
Physical Chemistry of Biopolymers
A consideration of the physicochemical principles and technical approaches current in the study of biopolymers. Emphasizes thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Multiple equilibria including subunit interactions, ligand binding, structure and function are discussed in detail. Offered as required.

BIOC 813, 814 - (1) (S)
Colloquium
Research seminars by invited guests and research personnel within the department. Attendance is required of all graduate students in biochemistry.

BIOC 815, 816 - (1) (S)
Biochemical Literature
A continuing seminar based on papers in the current literature. Required participation by departmental staff, fellows, and graduate students.

BIOC 817 - (3) (O) Structure and Function of Proteins
Prerequisite: BIOC 503 or permission of instructor
Discussion of various topics including molecular modeling, protein/receptor interactions; cytoskeletal communication with matrix; supramolecular assembly of proteins; regulation of enzymatic activity; protein/DNA interactions; regulation via covalent modification of proteins; protein/membrane interactions; protein evolution; protein processing; and proteins in molecular motion.

BIOC 901, 902 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Research in Biochemistry of Connective Tissue
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 905, 906 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Biophysical Aspects of Biological Membranes
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 909, 910 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, the Molecular Biology of Microbial Transport Processes
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 913, 914 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, the “Stimulus-Response” Sequence in Blood Platelet Activation
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 917, 918 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, DNA Replication and Amplification in Mammalian Cells
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 921, 922 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Research in Membrane Proteins
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 925, 926 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Biophysical Chemistry of Phospholipid Assemblies and Protein Kinase Function
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 937, 938 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Molecular Biology of Mammalian Hormone Action
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 945, 946 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Research in Mammalian Gene Expression
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 949, 950 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Biophysical and Immunological Studies of Immune Complex Mediated Diseases
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 957, 958 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, DNA Replication and Protein Nucleic Acid Interactions
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 959, 960 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Research Proteinases and Proteinase Inhibitors
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 961, 962 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Membrane Protein Mechanisms
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 963, 964 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Protein Structure
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 997 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

BIOC 999 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Non-Topical Research
For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.

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