FROM ATOMS TO MOLECULES

BIOCHEM 601

Protein structure and dynamics. Protein folding. Physical organic chemistry of enzymatic catalysis. Analysis of enzyme kinetics and receptor-ligand interactions. Enzymatic reaction mechanisms.

BIOCHEM 301

Explore the basic chemical properties of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Topics to be discussed include protein structure and function, the chemical logic of metabolism, and the mechanisms of DNA replication, DNA transcription, DNA repair, and gene expression. Understand principles and themes in biochemistry that relate to metabolic diseases, drug design, virus infection and vaccination, and gene therapy. Does not cover the foundational material necessary to succeed in additional biochemistry coursework, and is not likely to be acceptable for medical or veterinary school admission.

BIOCHEM/CHEM 704

Chemistry and biology of proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates; application of organic chemistry to problems in cell biology, biotechnology, and biomedicine.

BIOCHEM 729

Specialized subjects of current interest.

BIOCHEM 104

Introduction to how life works at a molecular level and the evolutionary paths that led to the great diversity of life on our planet. With this foundation, discuss current topics in the news such as: exploring the human genome to understand our species' history and to diagnose and treat disease; genetic engineering of crops in relation to foods safety and effects on ecosystems; gene editing of insects and mammals including humans; how to determine whether herbal remedies, vaccines, etc. are effective and safe; and current trends in biotechnology and what might be on the horizon. Focus on appreciating the nature of science and becoming better equipped to explore and evaluate scientific topics of interest.