Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology
Undergraduate Study
The department offers majors in biochemistry or biophysics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a major in agricultural biochemistry in the College of Agriculture.
Biochemists and biophysicists seek to understand life processes in terms of chemical and physical principles. They conduct research in the frontiers of biology such as metabolic networking; structure and function of enzymes, membranes, and hormones; computational approaches; genomic and proteomic technology; protein engineering; plant biotechnology; muscle structure and function; and the design and evaluation of drugs for the treatment of disease. Biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology provide the basis for much of modern biotechnology. Graduates have opportunities in industry, especially the biotechnology sector, in universities, veterinary medical, and medical schools, and government laboratories. Students who meet the necessary high scholastic standards have the opportunity to continue their studies in graduate school, medical school, or veterinary medical school.
Graduates of biochemistry, agricultural biochemistry and biophysics understand the chemical principles of biological systems including molecular biology. They have developed laboratory expertise in modern biochemical techniques, including the ability to analyze data and prepare scientific reports. Most have participated in undergraduate research and have developed the skills necessary for both written and oral presentations at a level that will serve the student both within the university and in postgraduate professional life. Graduates have the experience of interacting with persons of different disciplines and cultures. Students have the training in mathematics and physics to solve problems of broad scope in biological, biomedical and environmental sciences and to provide leadership in diverse scientific and technological arenas.
Agricultural Biochemistry Major in the College of Agriculture
For the undergraduate curriculum leading to the degree bachelor of science, see College of Agriculture, Curricula. Agricultural biochemistry is recommended to students interested in the areas of agriculture requiring strong preparation in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, or in preparation for the study of veterinary medicine. Employment opportunities exist in agrochemical industries, and animal and plant biotechnology.
Biochemistry or Biophysics Majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
For the undergraduate curriculum leading to the degree of bachelor of science, see Liberal Arts and Sciences, Curriculum. Biochemistry and biophysics are recommended to students whose career interests involve advanced study or employment in biochemistry or biophysics, or in related areas of the biological or medical sciences.
Undergraduate majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in biochemistry usually have the following basic courses or their equivalents in their programs:
| BBMB 101 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 1 |
| BBMB 102 | Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| BBMB 201 | Chemical Principles in Biological Systems | 2 |
| BBMB 404 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| or BBMB 501 | Comprehensive Biochemistry I | |
| BBMB 405 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| or BBMB 502 | Comprehensive Biochemistry II | |
| BBMB 411 | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 3 |
| BBMB 461 | Molecular Biophysics | 2 |
| or BBMB 561 | Molecular Biophysics | |
| Take one of the following: | ||
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| CHEM 201L | Laboratory in Advanced General Chemistry | 1 |
| or CHEM 177N | Laboratory in General Chemistry I | |
| or CHEM 177L | Laboratory in General Chemistry I | |
| CHEM 211 | Quantitative and Environmental Analysis | 2 |
| CHEM 211L | Quantitative and Environmental Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| One of the following: | ||
| Laboratory in Physical Chemistry | ||
| Laboratory in Physical Chemistry and Laboratory in Molecular Biophysics | ||
| CHEM 324 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| CHEM 325 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 331 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 332 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 333L | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I (for Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors) | 2 |
| or CHEM 331L | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I | |
| CHEM 334L | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry II (for Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors) | 2 |
| or CHEM 332L | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry II | |
| MATH 165 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 265 | Calculus III | 4 |
| or MATH 266 | Elementary Differential Equations | |
| or MATH 267 | Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms | |
| PHYS 221 | Introduction to Classical Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS 222 | Introduction to Classical Physics II | 5 |
| BIOL 211 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | Principles of Biology Laboratory I | 1 |
| or BIOL 212L | Principles of Biology Laboratory II | |
| or BIOL 313L | Genetics Laboratory | |
| BIOL 212 | Principles of Biology II | 3 |
| BIOL 313 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 314 | Principles of Molecular Cell Biology | 3 |
And a minimum of 4 additional credits of biological science courses from biology, genetics, and microbiology. BBMB 499 Undergraduate Research is strongly recommended.
Undergraduate majors in biophysics usually include the following basic courses in their programs:
| BBMB 101 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 1 |
| BBMB 102 | Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| BBMB 404 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BBMB 411 | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 3 |
| BBMB 461 | Molecular Biophysics | 2 |
| or BBMB 561 | Molecular Biophysics | |
| CHEM 177N | Laboratory in General Chemistry I | 1 |
| or CHEM 177L | Laboratory in General Chemistry I | |
| Take one of the following: | ||
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| One of the following: | ||
| Laboratory in Physical Chemistry | ||
| Laboratory in Physical Chemistry and Laboratory in Molecular Biophysics | ||
| CHEM 324 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| CHEM 325 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 331 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 332 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| MATH 165 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 265 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 266 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 307 | Matrices and Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 317 | Theory of Linear Algebra | |
| PHYS 221 | Introduction to Classical Physics I | 5 |
| One course from the following: | ||
| Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences | ||
| Numerical Methods for Differential Equations and Interpolation | ||
| Methods of Multivariate Analysis | ||
| Empirical Methods for the Computational Sciences | ||
| PHYS 222 | Introduction to Classical Physics II | 5 |
| COM S 207 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | 3 |
| STAT 305 | Engineering Statistics | 3 |
| or STAT 231 | Probability and Statistical Inference for Engineers | |
| BIOL 211 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | Principles of Biology Laboratory I | 1 |
| or BIOL 212L | Principles of Biology Laboratory II | |
| BIOL 212 | Principles of Biology II | 3 |
| CHEM 211 | Quantitative and Environmental Analysis | 2 |
| CHEM 211L | Quantitative and Environmental Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
And 9 additional credits in 300 or higher level courses in biochemistry, biophysics, biological sciences, chemistry, or physics.
These lists of courses should not be regarded as statements of fixed requirements or as complete outlines of the work necessary for the major. They are given solely for the convenience of students or advisers who wish to estimate the amount of basic study that may be needed.
Biochemistry and biophysics majors are advised to meet the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement with courses in French, German, or Russian.
See also the B.S./M.S. program under Graduate Study.
The department offers minors in biochemistry in both the College of Agriculture and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which may be earned by credit in:
| BBMB 404 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BBMB 405 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| BBMB 411 | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 3 |
| One course from the following: | 2-3 | |
| Molecular Biophysics (2 crs) | ||
| Molecular Biophysics (2 crs) | ||
| Chemical Thermodynamics (3 crs) | ||
plus additional supporting 300 level courses in chemistry or biochemistry for a total of 15 credits.
Communication Proficiency requirement: Majors in agricultural biochemistry must complete ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition and one course in speech fundamentals with a grade of C or better in each of these courses. Majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences must complete ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition and one of the following with a grade of C- or better:
| ENGL 305 | Creative Writing--Nonfiction | 3 |
| ENGL 309 | Report and Proposal Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 314 | Technical Communication | 3 |
| or a written report in: | ||
| Techniques in Biochemical Research | ||
Interdepartmental Majors
The department participates along with other biological science departments including GDCB and EEOB in offering interdepartmental majors in Biology and Genetics. Biology courses that are staffed in part by department faculty members include:
| BIOL 101 | Introductory Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 313 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 314 | Principles of Molecular Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 313L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
Graduate Study
The department offers work for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy with majors in biochemistry and biophysics and with interdepartmental majors in genetics, immunobiology, MCDB (molecular, cellular, and developmental biology), plant physiology, and toxicology. Minor work is offered to students taking major work in other departments.
Prerequisite to graduate work is a sound undergraduate background in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
All graduate students are required by the department to teach as part of their training for an advanced degree.
The department offers a B.S./M.S. program in biochemistry that allows students to obtain both the B.S. and M.S. degrees in five years. The program is open to students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and in the College of Agriculture. Students interested in this program should contact the department office for details. Application for admission to the Graduate College should be made near the end of the junior undergraduate (third) year. Students would begin research for the M.S. thesis during the summer semester after their junior year and are eligible for research assistantships.
Courses primarily for undergraduate students
BBMB 101. Introduction to Biochemistry.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Research activities, career opportunities in biochemistry and biophysics, and an introduction to the structure of biologically important compounds. For students majoring in biochemistry, agricultural biochemistry or biophysics or considering one of these majors.
BBMB 102. Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in CHEM 177 and 177L
Topics in the scientific background of biochemistry, such as macromolecules, metabolism, and catalysis. May include laboratory experiments as well as literature readings and discussion. A significant component is practice in scientific communication. For students majoring in biochemistry, agricultural biochemistry or biophysics or considering one of these majors.
BBMB 201. Chemical Principles in Biological Systems.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in CHEM 331
Survey of chemical principles as they apply in biological systems including: water, organic chemistry of functional groups in biomolecules and biochemical cofactors, weak bonds and their contribution to biomolecular structure, oxidation-reduction reactions and redox potential, thermodynamic laws and bioenergetics, chemical equilibria and kinetics, inorganic chemistry in biological systems, data presentation. The subjects will be taught using molecules from biological systems as examples. Intended for majors in biochemistry, biophysics, or agricultural biochemistry.
BBMB 221. Structure and Reactions in Biochemical Processes.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: CHEM 163, 167, or 177
Fundamentals necessary for an understanding of biochemical processes. Primarily for students in agriculture.
Not acceptable for credit toward a major in biochemistry or biophysics. Credit for both BBMB 221 and Chem 231 may not be applied toward graduation.
BBMB 301. Survey of Biochemistry.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: CHEM 231 or 331
A survey of biochemistry: structure and function of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids; enzymology; metabolism; biosynthesis; and selected topics.
Not acceptable for credit toward a major in biochemistry, biophysics, or agricultural biochemistry.
BBMB 316. Principles of Biochemistry.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: CHEM 231 or 331; BIOL 212.
Understanding biological systems at the molecular level; chemistry of biological macromolecules, enzyme function and regulation, metabolic pathways; integration of metabolism in diverse living systems. For students in biology and related majors who do not require the more rigorous treatment of biochemistry found in BBMB 404/405.
Not acceptable for credit toward a major in biochemistry, biophysics, or agricultural biochemistry.
BBMB 403. Microbial Biochemistry and Biotechnology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: CHEM 332, BBMB 301
Fundamental principles of microbial biochemistry, physiology, and genetics, and their application to microbial biotechnology. Topics will include biorenewable resources, metabolic pathway engineering, enzyme engineering, bioremediation, microbial diversity genomics, metagenomics.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
BBMB 404. Biochemistry I.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: CHEM 332
A general overview for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in agricultural, biological, chemical and nutritional sciences. Chemistry of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, vitamins; protein structure; enzymology; carbohydrate metabolism.
Nonmajor graduate credit. Credit for both BBMB 420 and the 404, 405 sequence may not be applied toward graduation.
BBMB 405. Biochemistry II.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 404
A general overview for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in agricultural, biological, chemical, and nutritional sciences. Metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleotides and lipids; formation, turnover, and molecular relationships among DNA, RNA, and proteins; genetic code; regulation of gene expression; selected topics in the molecular physiology of plants and animals.
Nonmajor graduate credit. Credit for both BBMB 420 and the 404, 405 sequence may not be applied toward graduation.
BBMB 411. Techniques in Biochemical Research.
(1-8) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 404 or 501, CHEM 211
Introduction to laboratory techniques for studying biochemistry, including: chromatographic methods; electrophoresis; spectrophotometry; enzyme purification; enzyme kinetics; and characterization of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
BBMB 420. Physiological Chemistry.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: CHEM 332, BBMB 301 or BIOL 314
Structure and function of proteins; enzymology; biological oxidation; chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and nucleic acids; protein synthesis and the genetic code; relationship of biochemistry to selected animal diseases. Biochemistry of higher animals emphasized.
Nonmajor graduate credit. Not acceptable for credit toward a major in agricultural biochemistry, biochemistry or biophysics. Credit for both BBMB 420 and the 404, 405 sequence may not be applied toward graduation.
BBMB 430. Procaryotic Diversity and Ecology.
(Dual-listed with 530). (Cross-listed with MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: MICRO 302, MICRO 302L
Survey of the diverse groups of procaryotes emphasizing important and distinguishing metabolic, phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological features of members of those groups.
BBMB 440. Laboratory in Microbial Physiology, Diversity, and Genetics.
(Cross-listed with MICRO). (2-6) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: MICRO 302, 302L, CHEM 332, BIOL 313L
Study of the fundamental techniques and theory of studying the cellular mechanisms and diversity of microbial life. Experimental techniques will include isolation and physiological characterization of bacteria that inhabit different environments. Also included are techniques for the phylogenetic characterization, and genetic manipulation of diverse species of bacteria.
BBMB 461. Molecular Biophysics.
(Dual-listed with 561). (2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in CHEM 324 and 325
Physical methods for the study of molecular structure and organization of biological materials. X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, hydrodynamics and fluorescence spectroscopy. Registration for the graduate credit commits the student to graduate-level examinations, which differ from undergraduate-level examinations in the number and/or difficulty of questions.
BBMB 490. Independent Study.
Cr. arr.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: College of Agriculture: junior or senior classification and permission of instructor; College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: permission of instructor
College of Agriculture: a maximum of 9 credits of 490 may be applied toward graduation.
H. Honors
BBMB 499. Undergraduate Research.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of staff member with whom student proposes to work
Research under senior staff guidance.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students
BBMB 501. Comprehensive Biochemistry I.
(4-0) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: CHEM 211,332; a previous course in biochemistry is strongly recommended
Chemical composition of living matter and the chemistry of life processes. Chemical characterization of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; enzymology and co-enzymes; metabolism of carbohydrates; biological oxidations.
BBMB 502. Comprehensive Biochemistry II.
(4-0) Cr. 4.
S.
Prereq: 501
Chemical composition of living matter and the chemistry of life processes. Metabolism of lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides; membrane biochemistry; biosynthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins; gene regulation; selected topics.
BBMB 503. Bioinorganic Chemistry.
(Cross-listed with CHEM). (2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: CHEM 402 or BBMB 405
Essential elements: transport and storage of ions and of oxygen; metalloenzymes and metallocoenzymes; electron-transfer processes in respiration and photosynthesis; metabolism of nonmetals and redox processes involved in it; medicinal aspects of inorganic chemistry.
BBMB 520. Genetic Engineering.
(Cross-listed with GDCB, MCDB). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: Gen 411 or BBMB 405
Strategies and rationale of recombinant DNA technologies. The methodology of genetic engineering in basic research and implications for applied research will be considered. Topics include: basic tools of molecular cloning, targeted mutagenesis, fluorescent proteins, protein expression systems, and transgenic model systems.
BBMB 530. Procaryotic Diversity and Ecology.
(Dual-listed with 430). (Cross-listed with MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: MICRO 302, MICRO 302L
Survey of the diverse groups of procaryotes emphasizing important and distinguishing metabolic, phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological features of members of those groups.
BBMB 542. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques.
(Cross-listed with B M S, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Sessions in basic molecular biology techniques and related procedures.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
A. DNA Techniques. Includes genetic engineering procedures, sequencing, PCR, and genotyping. (F.S.SS.)
B. Protein Techniques. Includes fermentation, protein isolation, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, NMR, confocal microscopy and laser microdissection, immunophenotyping, and monoclonol antibody production. (S.SS.)
C. Cell Techniques. Includes immunophenotyping, ELISA, flow cytometry, microscopic techniques, and image analysis. (F.S.)
D. Plant Transformation. Includes Agrobacterium and particle gun-mediated transformation of tobacco, Arabidopsis, and maize, and analysis of transformants. (S.)
E. Proteomics. Includes two-dimensional electrophoresis, laser scanning, mass spectrometry, and database searching. (F.)
F. Techniques in Metabolomics. metabolomics and the techniques involved in metabolite profiling. For non-chemistry majoring students who are seeking analytical aspects into their biological research projects
G. Genomic Techniques
BBMB 552. Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: CHEM 325 or permission of instructor
Advanced solution state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy as applied to biological systems. Topics include theoretical principles of NMR, practical aspects of experimental NMR, methodologies for protein structure determination, NMR relaxation, recent advances in NMR spectroscopy.
BBMB 561. Molecular Biophysics.
(Dual-listed with 461). (2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in CHEM 324 and 325
Physical methods for the study of molecular structure and organization of biological materials. X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, hydrodynamics and fluorescence spectroscopy. Registration for graduate credit commits the student to graduate-level examinations, which differ from undergraduate-level examinations in the number and/or difficulty of questions.
BBMB 561L. Laboratory in Molecular Biophysics.
(1-3) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in BBMB 461/561
Practice in methods of X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, hydrodynamics and fluorescence spectroscopy as applied to macromolecules.
BBMB 565. Professional Practices in Science and Engineering.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, AN S, BCB, CH E, CPR E, EEB, GENET, HORT, MICRO, V MPM). Cr. arr.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Professional, ethical and legal iProfessional Practices in Science and Engineeringssues facing scientists and engineers in academia. Offered in modular format.
A. Responsible Conduct of Research. (Cr. 1.0). F,
B. Working with Industry. (Cr. 0.5).
C. Communications in Science. (Cr. 0.5). Alt S., offered 2011. Reading and reviewing manuscripts; publishing papers; oral and poster presentations.
D. Time Management and Mentoring. (Cr. 0.5). Alt F., offered 2012. Balancing life and career; mentoring; lab management.
E. The Interview Process. (Cr. 0.5). Alt S., offered 2012. Applying and interviewing for academia, industry and government.
F. Grant Writing. (Cr. 1.0). Alt F., offered 2011. Writing a winning proposal.
G. Teaching. (C
S. Ethical and legal issues in research.
S. Establishing productive collaborations with industry.
BBMB 569. Bioinformatics III (Structural Genome Informatics).
(Cross-listed with BCB, COM S, CPR E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: BCB 567, Gen 411, STAT 430
Algorithmic and statistical approaches in structural genomics including protein, DNA and RNA structure. Structure determination, refinement, representation, comparison, visualization, and modeling. Analysis and prediction of protein secondary and tertiary structure, disorder, protein cores and surfaces, protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions, protein localization and function.
BBMB 590. Special Topics.
Cr. arr.
BBMB 593. Workshop in Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Cr. 1.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Graduate workshops in selected topics in biochemistry and biophysics. Credit in this course does not meet the requirement for advanced graduate electives in Biochemistry.
Courses for graduate students
BBMB 607. Plant Biochemistry.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: 405 or 502
Description of unique aspects of plant biochemistry including lipid metabolism, cell wall structure, secondary metabolism, phytoalexin biosynthesis, and plant defenses.
BBMB 615. Molecular Immunology.
(Cross-listed with MICRO, V MPM). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: BBMB 405 or 502
Current topics in molecular aspects of immunology: T and B cell receptors; major histocompatibility complex; antibody structure; immunosuppressive drugs and viruses; and intracellular signalling pathways leading to expression of genes that control and activate immune function.
BBMB 622. Carbohydrate Chemistry.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: 404 or 501
Structure, occurrence, properties, function, and chemical and enzymatic modifications of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins.
BBMB 632. Kinetics of Enzyme Action.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: 501
Fundamental and advanced enzyme kinetics. Topics include integrated rate equations, methods for deriving initial-rate equations, inhibition, product effects, methods for verifying kinetic mechanisms, allostery, hysteresis, isotope effects, and complex kinetic mechanisms.
BBMB 642. Mechanisms of Enzymatic Catalysis.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: 404, 420, or 501
The chemical basis of enzymatic catalysis with emphasis on mechanisms of substrate recognition, general acid-base catalysis and stereoelectronic factors.
BBMB 645. Molecular Signaling.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: 405, 420, or 502
Molecular mechanisms of cellular signaling including receptor activation, desensitization and cross talk, signal transduction pathways, and nuclear receptors. Discussion includes a variety of cell surface receptors and their hormone; growth factor and extracellular matrix activators; protein kinases; caspase and transcription factor downstream signals; lipids, gases and cyclic nucleotides as regulators of cell signaling. Course content includes current literature, student and instructor presentations and research proposal writing.
BBMB 652. Protein Chemistry - Chemical Methods.
(2-0) Cr. 1.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: 404 or 501
First 8 weeks. Chemical reactions as a means of determining protein structure and biological function.
BBMB 653. Protein Chemistry - Physical Methods.
(2-0) Cr. 1.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: 404 or 501
Second 8 weeks. Protein structure determination as a means of understanding biological function.
BBMB 660. Membrane Biochemistry.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: 405 or 502
Protein and lipid constituents of biological membranes. Structure and topography of membrane proteins. Selected topics concerning the membrane proteins involved in diverse biochemical processes, such as energy transduction transport across membranes, neurotransmission and signal transduction.
BBMB 661. Current Topics in Neurobiology.
(Cross-listed with NEURO, GDCB). (2-0) Cr. 2.
Repeatable. Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics may include communication, hormones and behavior, neural integration, membrane biophysics, molecular and cellular neuroscience, developmental neurobiology, neuroanatomy and ultrastructure, sensory biology, social behavior, techniques in neurobiology and behavior.
BBMB 675. Nucleic Acid Structure and Function.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
F.
Prereq: 405 or 502
In-depth discussion of nucleic acid properties, structures and structure/function relationships. Interactions between nucleic acids and proteins will be emphasized.
BBMB 676. Biochemistry of Gene Expression in Eucaryotes.
(Cross-listed with MCDB). (2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: 404 or 501, 405 or 502 or GDCB 511
Analysis of the biochemical processes involved in expression of eucaryotic genes and the regulation thereof, including RNA polymerase, transcriptional regulatory proteins, enhancers and silencers, chromosome structure, termination, RNA processing, RNA transport, RNA turnover, small RNAs translational regulation, protein turnover.
BBMB 681. Advanced Seminar.
Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Student presentations.
BBMB 682. Departmental Seminar.
Cr. R.
F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Staff and visitor research.
BBMB 696. Research Seminar.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, GDCB, PLBIO, HORT, FOR). Cr. 1.
Repeatable.
Research seminars by faculty and graduate students.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
BBMB 698. Seminar in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.
(Cross-listed with MCDB, GDCB, MICRO, V MPM). (2-0) Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable. F.S.
Student and faculty presentations.
BBMB 699. Research.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Curriculum in Agricultural Biochemistry
Administered by the Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.
Total Degree Requirement: 128 cr.
Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA.
International Perspective: 3 cr.
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.
Communications Proficiency:
6 cr. of English composition with a C or better and 3 cr. of speech fundamentals with a C or better.
Communication/Library:
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| SP CM 212 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Library Instruction | 0.5 |
Humanities and Social Sciences: 6 cr.
3 cr. from approved list; ECON 102 Principles of Macroeconomics.
Ethics: 3 cr.
3 cr. from approved list.
Life Sciences: 6 cr.
BIOL 211 Principles of Biology I; 3 cr. from approved list.
Humanities and Social Sciences: 6 cr.
3 cr. from approved humanities list; 3 cr. from approved social science list.
Mathematical Sciences: 14 cr.
| MATH 165 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 265 | Calculus III | 4 |
| or MATH 266 | Elementary Differential Equations | |
| STAT 101 | Principles of Statistics | 4 |
| or STAT 104 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Physical Sciences: 38 cr.
| CHEM 177 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| or CHEM 201 | Advanced General Chemistry | |
| CHEM 177L | Laboratory in General Chemistry I | 1 |
| or CHEM 201L | Laboratory in Advanced General Chemistry | |
| CHEM 178 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 211 | Quantitative and Environmental Analysis | 2 |
| CHEM 211L | Quantitative and Environmental Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 324 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| CHEM 325 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 322L | Laboratory in Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 331 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 331L | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 332 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| PHYS 221 | Introduction to Classical Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS 222 | Introduction to Classical Physics II | 5 |
| Total Credits | 38 | |
Life and Biological Sciences: 13.0 cr.
| BIOL 211 & 211L | Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology Laboratory I | 4 |
| BIOL 212 & 212L | Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology Laboratory II | 4 |
| BIOL 313 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 314 | Principles of Molecular Cell Biology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Agricultural Biochemistry: 11 cr.
| BBMB 101 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 1 |
| BBMB 102 | Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| BBMB 201 | Chemical Principles in Biological Systems | 2 |
| BBMB 404 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| or BBMB 501 | Comprehensive Biochemistry I | |
| BBMB 405 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| or BBMB 502 | Comprehensive Biochemistry II | |
| BBMB 411 | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 3 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Agricultural Sciences: 9 cr.
Complete 9 cr. from approved list.
Electives:
No more than 4 cr. of ECON 297 Internship or 397 may count toward graduation.