Texas A&M University Undergraduate Catalog

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Course Descriptions

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Professors R. S. Chapkin, P. F. Fitzpatrick, E. A. Funkhouser, D. P. Giedroc, L. A. Guarino, J. M. Gunn, E. D. Harris, A. K. H. Holzenburg, M. A. O. Höök, A. E. Johnson, C. C. Kao, P. A. Lindahl, W. L. McKeehan, M. D. Manson, J. E. Mullet, C. N. Pace, W. D. Park, D. O. Peterson, D. W. Pettigrew, F. M. Raushel, G. D. Reinhart (Head), J. C. Sacchettini, S. H. Safe, A. I. Scott, D. E. Shippen, M. D. Summers, R. D. Wells, J. R. Wild, R. F. Young; Associate Professors S. Datta, J. C. Hu, G. M. Kapler, M. P. Kladde, G. R. Kunkel, A. C. LiWang, P. J. LiWang, M. Polymenis, J. M. Scholtz; Assistant Professors M. Bryk, J. Cruz-Reyes, V. M. Panin, S. Sze, J. W. Tsai; Senior Lecturers J. R. Ellison, L. S. Mullins; Lecturers B. W. Miles, C. J. Ragland; Assistant Lecturer Y. M. Hartberg

Biochemistry
(BICH)

107. Horizons in Biological Chemistry. (2-0). Credit 2. I

An introduction to biochemistry and its relationship to the biological, biophysical and chemical sciences. Prerequisite: Freshman or sophomore classification or approval of instructor.

281. Seminar in Biochemical Research. (1-0). Credit 1. I, II

Round table discussions with visiting seminar speakers; review current literature; topics including cutting edge research in biochemistry. Prerequisites: BICH 107 and freshman or sophomore classification in biochemistry or approval of instructor.

285. Directed Studies. Credit 1 to 4.

Introduction to laboratory research. Prerequisite: Freshman or sophomore classification in biochemistry or approval of instructor.

289. Special Topics in… Credit 1 to 4.

Selected topics in an identified area of biochemistry. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Freshman or sophomore classification in biochemistry or approval of instructor.

303. Elements of Biological Chemistry. (3-0). Credit 3. II

Survey of the biochemical sciences designed for the non-biochemistry major; introduction to the chemistry and metabolism of biologically important molecules, the biochemical basis of life processes, cellular metabolism and regulation. Students requiring biochemistry in greater depth should register for BICH 410 and 411. Not open to biochemistry majors. Prerequisite: CHEM 222 or equivalent.

407. Horizons in Biological Chemistry II. (1-0). Credit 1. I, II, S

Application of formal classroom instruction; applied view of biochemical concepts; use of biochemical principles to ascertain, evaluate, and make judgments on research information. May be taken five times. Prerequisite: BICH 411 or 441.

410. Comprehensive Biochemistry I. (3-1). Credit 3. I, II, S

Structure, function and chemistry of proteins and carbohydrates; kinetics, mechanisms and regulation of enzymes; metabolism of carbohydrates. Not open to biochemistry or genetics majors. Prerequisite: CHEM 228 or approval of instructor.

411. Comprehensive Biochemistry II. (3-1). Credit 3. I, II, S

A continuation of BICH 410. Structure, function, chemistry and metabolism of lipids and nucleic acids; cellular metabolism viewed from the standpoint of energetics and control mechanisms; interrelationships of metabolic pathways. Not open to biochemistry or genetics majors. Prerequisite: BICH 410.

412. Biochemistry Laboratory I. (0-3). Credit 1. I, S

Selected methods used to identify, isolate, purify and characterize biomolecules. Methods used complement those used in BICH 413. Not open to biochemistry or genetics majors. Prerequisite: BICH 410 or registration therein.

413. Biochemistry Laboratory II. (0-3). Credit 1. II

Selected methods used for the study of cellular metabolism and its regulation. Methods used complement those used in BICH 412. Prerequisite: BICH 411 or registration therein or approval of instructor.

414. Biochemical Techniques I. (0-6). Credit 2. I

Techniques currently used in biochemistry such as spectrophotometry, column chromatography (gel filtration, ion exchange) electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis, performed by students in purification of proteins, enzymes and nucleic acids. For biochemistry and genetics majors. Prerequisites: BICH 440; CHEM 316 and 318 or registration therein.

431. Molecular Genetics. (3-0). Credit 3. I, II

Molecular basis for inheritance: gene structure and function, chromosomal organization, replication and repair of DNA, transcription and translation, the genetic code, regulation of gene expression, genetic differentiation and genetic manipulations. Prerequisites: BICH 410 or MEPS 313 or MICR 351; GENE 301 or 320. Cross-listed with GENE 431.

432. Laboratory in Molecular Genetics. (0-6). Credit 2. II

Laboratory for molecular genetics providing technical experience with tools of molecular biology. Prerequisite: BICH 431 or registration therein. Cross-listed with GENE 432.

440. Biochemistry I. (3-0). Credit 3. I

Rigorous treatment of the structure, function and chemistry of proteins and carbohydrates; kinetics, mechanisms and regulation of enzymes; metabolism of carbohydrates. Course designed for biochemistry and genetics majors and honors students only. Prerequisite: CHEM 228 or approval of instructor.

441. Biochemistry II. (3-0). Credit 3. II

Continuation of BICH 440; structure, function, chemistry and metabolism of lipids and nucleic acids, cellular metabolism viewed from the standpoint of energetics and control mechanisms; interrelationships of metabolic pathways. Course designed for biochemistry and genetics majors and honors students only. Prerequisite: BICH 440.

450. Introduction to Genomics. (3-0). Credit 3.

Introductory genomics course designed to provide a basic understanding of the science of genomics, the study of genome data; major emphasis placed on the logic behind genomic approaches and the capabilities and limitations of these approaches to investigate biological processes; discussion of genomics as another extension of the science of genetics. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification in Biology, Genetics or Biochemistry. Cross-listed with BIOL 450.

485. Directed Studies. Credit 1 to 4 each semester. I, II, S

Directed study in biochemistry not included in established courses. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; approval of instructor and department head.

489. Special Topics in… Credit 1 to 4. I, II, S

Selected topics in an identified area of biochemistry, biophysics or nutrition. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification in life or physical sciences.

491. Research. Credit 1 to 4 per semester. I, II, S

Laboratory research supervised by a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Prerequisite: Biochemistry major.