COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is an introduction to fundamental topics in biochemistry and physical biochemistry. Topics include: protein structure, folding, and function, nucleic acid structure and protein-DNA interactions, enzymology, energetics & allostery, posttranslational modification of protein function, transcription, translation, and DNA replication. The material is presented in formal lectures in conjunction with a protein/nucleic acid structure-based tutorial.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: The goal of this course is to educate students on the fundamentals of biochemistry including protein and nucleic acid structure, enzymology, and DNA replication, transcription, and translation. In addition, students will learn how to interpret and manipulate protein and nucleic acid structures.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Biochemistry, 4th Edition, D. Voet and J. G. Voet. ISBN 978-0470570951
PREREQUISITES: One semester of undergraduate biochemistry and a course in organic chemistry are required. Undergraduate physical chemistry is also helpful preparation. Students who are uncertain about the adequacy of their undergraduate training for this course should discuss the issue with their advisory committee and then consult the course leader. Students should be familiar with the general principles of biochemistry including basic knowledge of amino acid and nucleic acid structure. They should also be familiar with general principles such as DNA replication, transcription and translation. All students who want to register for Graduate Biochemistry must complete the assessment exam during Orientation Week.
STUDENT PREPARATION: Students should be familiar with the general principles of biochemistry including basic knowledge of amino acid and nucleic acid structure. They should also be familiar with general principles such as DNA replication, transcription and translation.
SUITABLE FOR 1ST YEAR STUDENTS: Yes
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS:There are three closed-book exams (2 hours each) administered throughout the Block worth 30% each. In addition, 10% of the grade will be based on tutorials for nucleic acid/protein structure.
CREDIT HOURS: 5.0