Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Undergraduate Studies Coordinator: Allison, R.D.;

Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) Director: Cohen, R.J.

Graduate Coordinator: Allen, C.M., Jr.

Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (IDP) Director: Laipis, P.J.

The department offers a full program of courses for the undergraduate student preparing for advanced degrees in the biological, agricultural, and life sciences, and for professional school.

The major course offering, BCH 4024, is designed to provide students with a general background in biochemistry and molecular biology for professional school or advanced studies in specialized areas.

The department offers an independent interdisciplinary major in biochemistry and molecular biology, in cooperation with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, to those undergraduate students with a strong interest in cell processes, molecular biology, metabolism or physical or structural biochemistry (See Biochemistry and Molecular Biology entry under major programs). Application for entry into the program should be made during the end of the sophomore year or immediately on entering the junior year. The advanced level course work required for this program includes BCH 4024, at least two semesters of BCH 4905 (Biochemistry Senior Research), and submission of a senior thesis. Enrollment in BCH 4024 is a prerequisite for enrollment in BCH 4905. Students are also required to select electives from one of the following Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offerings: BCH 6740, BCH 6206, or BCH 6415. Other electives include advanced undergraduate offerings of the departments of Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Microbiology and Cell Science, Neuroscience, and Zoology. Further information regarding this program is available from the interdisciplinary studies director. Undergraduate students in other majors who are interested in a research career in biochemistry and molecular biology should take BCH 4024 as early in their undergraduate program as possible. Students interested in supplementing these didactic course offerings with laboratory research experience can register for BMS 4905 after obtaining departmental approval. Further information on such research opportunities, advanced study and early admission can be obtained from the undergraduate studies coordinator.

Students with interests in medicine or other health sciences may also choose to enroll in the interdisciplinary major program and should contact the assistant dean for preprofessional education in the College of Medicine at the end of the sophomore year or at the beginning of the junior year.

An introduction to physical biochemistry, intermediary metabolism and molecular biology. Topics include a survey of structure, chemistry and function of proteins and nucleic acids, enzyme kinetics and mechanisms of catalysis; a survey of the pathways of carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism and their metabolic control; regulation of gene expression at the level of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.

Laboratory investigations of biochemical problems of current interest. Senior thesis required.