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 and Life Sciences.
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 and medical schools, and government laboratories. Students who meet the necessary high scholastic standards have the opportunity to continue their education to pursue advanced degrees in graduate school, medicine, pharmacy or veterinary medicine.
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 biological and physical science and mathematics to solve problems of broad scope in biological, biomedical and environmental sciences and to provide leadership in diverse scientific and technological arenas.
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.
Agricultural Biochemistry Major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
For the undergraduate curriculum leading to the degree bachelor of science, see College of Agriculture, Agricultural biochemistry
.
Biochemistry or Biophysics Majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Biochemistry and biophysics are recommended to students whose career interests involve advanced graduate or medical study or employment in biochemistry or biophysics, or in related areas of the biological or medical sciences.
Biochemistry undergraduate major program of study
| 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 | 3-4 |
| or BBMB 501 | Comprehensive Biochemistry I | |
| BBMB 405 | Biochemistry II | 3-4 |
| or BBMB 502 | Comprehensive Biochemistry II | |
| BBMB 411 | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 4 |
| BBMB 490 | Independent Study (Not required) | 1-3 |
| BBMB 499 | Undergraduate Research (Not required but strongly encouraged) | 1-5 |
| 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) | 1-2 |
| 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 | 3-4 |
| 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 |
| Biological Science electives from Biology, Genetics or Microbiology | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 74-84 | |
Communication Proficiency (Minimum grade C-)
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| One course from the following: | ||
| ENGL 305 | Creative Writing: Nonfiction | 3 |
| ENGL 309 | Report and Proposal Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 314 | Technical Communication | 3 |
| BBMB 411 | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 4 |
Biophysics undergraduate major program of study
| BBMB 101 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 1 |
| BBMB 102 | Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| BBMB 404 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BBMB 411 | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 4 |
| 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: | ||
| CHEM 211 | Quantitative and Environmental Analysis | 2 |
| CHEM 211L | Quantitative and Environmental Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| 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 207 | 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: | ||
| Numerical Methods for Differential Equations | ||
| 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 | 3-4 |
| 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 |
| Additional 300+ or higher level courses in biochemistry, biophysics, biological sciences, chemistry or physics. | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 78-79 | |
Communication Proficiency (Minimum grade C-)
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| One course from the following: | ||
| ENGL 305 | Creative Writing: Nonfiction | 3 |
| ENGL 309 | Report and Proposal Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 314 | Technical Communication | 3 |
| BBMB 411 | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 4 |
Biochemistry minor is offered in both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Agriculture and Life Sciences
| BBMB 404 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BBMB 405 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| BBMB 411 | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 4 |
| One course from the following: | 2-3 | |
| Molecular Biophysics (2 crs) | ||
| Molecular Biophysics (2 crs) | ||
| Chemical Thermodynamics | ||
| 300+ level courses in BBMB or CHEM to 15 cr total | 3-4 | |
| Total Credits | 15-17 | |
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.
See also the B.S./M.S. program under Graduate Study.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
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 CHEM 177L or CHEM 201 and CHEM 201L
Topics in the scientific background of biochemistry, such as macromolecules, metabolism, and catalysis. Laboratory experimentation covers biochemical concepts and the study of bio-molecules including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. 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 332
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, CHEM 167, or CHEM 177
Fundamentals necessary for an understanding of biochemical processes. Primarily for students in agriculture.
Not acceptable for credit toward a major in biochemistry, biophysics, or agricultural biochemistry. 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 CHEM 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.
Prereq: CHEM 231 or CHEM 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 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.
Credit for both BBMB 420 and the BBMB 404 - 405 sequence may not be applied toward graduation.
BBMB 405. Biochemistry II.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: BBMB 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.
Credit for both BBMB 420 and the BBMB 404 - BBMB 405 sequence may not be applied toward graduation.
BBMB 411. Techniques in Biochemical Research.
(2-8) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in BBMB 404 or BBMB 501; CHEM 211
Laboratory experimentation and techniques for studying biochemistry, including: chromatographic methods; electrophoresis; spectrophotometry; enzyme purification; enzyme kinetics; and characterization of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
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.
Not acceptable for credit toward a major in agricultural biochemistry or biochemistry. Acceptable for credit toward a major in biophysics. Credit for both BBMB 420 and the BBMB 404 - 405 sequence may not be applied toward graduation.
BBMB 430. Procaryotic Diversity and Ecology.
(Dual-listed with BBMB 530). (Cross-listed with MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
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, MICRO 302L, CHEM 332, BIOL 313L
Fundamental techniques and theory for 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 phylogenetic characterization, measuring gene expression, and genetic manipulation of diverse species of bacteria. Essential components for the effective communication of scientific results are also emphasized.
BBMB 461. Molecular Biophysics.
(Dual-listed with BBMB 561). (2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in CHEM 324 and CHEM 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. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: College of Agriculture: junior or senior classification and permission of instructor; College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: permission of instructor.
Independent study with a faculty mentor.
No more than 9 credits of BBMB 490 may count toward graduation.
BBMB 490H. Independent Study, Honors.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: College of Agriculture: junior or senior classification and permission of instructor; College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: permission of instructor
Independent study with a faculty mentor.
No more than 9 credits of BBMB 490 may count toward graduation.,
BBMB 499. Undergraduate Research.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of faculty member with whom student proposes to work.
Independent research under faculty guidance.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
BBMB 501. Comprehensive Biochemistry I.
(4-0) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: CHEM 211, CHEM 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: BBMB 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 even-numbered years.
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 even-numbered years.
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 BBMB 430). (Cross-listed with MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
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.
BBMB 542A. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques: DNA 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
Includes genetic engineering procedures, sequencing, PCR, and genotyping.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
BBMB 542C. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques: Cell Techniques.
(Cross-listed with B M S, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Includes immunophenotyping, ELISA, flow cytometry, microscopic techniques, image analysis, confocal, multiphoton and laser capture microdissection.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
BBMB 542D. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques: Plant Transformation.
(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.
BBMB 542E. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques: Proteomics.
(Cross-listed with B M S, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Includes two-dimensional electrophoresis, laser scanning, mass spectrometry, and database searching.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
BBMB 542F. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques: Metabolomics.
(Cross-listed with B M S, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Includes metabolomics and the techniques involved in metabolite profiling. For non-chemistry majoring students who are seeking analytical aspects into their biological research projects.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
BBMB 542G. Genomic 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.
BBMB 552. Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
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 BBMB 461). (2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in CHEM 324 and CHEM 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/BBMB 561
Practice in methods of X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, hydrodynamics and fluorescence spectroscopy as applied to macromolecules.
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.
By arrangement.
BBMB 593. Workshop in Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Permission and signature of course administrator required.
Workshops in selected topics in biochemistry and biophysics. Credit in this course does not meet the requirement for advanced graduate electives in Biochemistry. ,Spring only: BBMB Undergraduate Research Symposium participation. Scheduled class meetings are required in addition to attending the symposium.
Courses for graduate students:
BBMB 607. Plant Biochemistry.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 405 or BBMB 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 odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 405 or BBMB 502
Current topics in molecular aspects of immunology: T and B cell receptors; major histocompatibility complex; antibody structure; immunosuppressive drugs and viruses; and intracellular signaling pathways leading to expression of genes that control and activate immune function.
BBMB 622. Carbohydrate Chemistry.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 404 or BBMB 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 even-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 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 odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 404, BBMB 420, or BBMB 501
The chemical basis of enzymatic catalysis with emphasis on mechanisms of substrate recognition, general acid-base catalysis and stereo-electronic factors.
BBMB 645. Molecular Signaling.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 405, BBMB 420, or BBMB 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 odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 404 or BBMB 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 odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 404 or BBMB 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 even-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 405 or BBMB 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 Neuroscience.
(Cross-listed with GDCB, NEURO). (2-0) Cr. 2-3.
Repeatable. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: NEURO 556 (or comparable course) or permission of instructor
Topics may include molecular and cellular neuroscience, neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive neuroscience, sensory biology, neural integration, membrane biophysics, neuroethology, techniques in neurobiology and behavior.
BBMB 675. Nucleic Acid Structure and Function.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 405 or BBMB 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 even-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 404 or BBMB 501, BBMB 405 or BBMB 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
Faculty, staff and invited guest research seminar.
BBMB 696. Research Seminar.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, FOR, GDCB, HORT, PLBIO). Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.S.
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 GDCB, MCDB, MICRO, V MPM). (2-0) Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable. F.S.
Student and faculty presentations.
BBMB 699. Research.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
