BIOCH - Biochemistry

An introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry. Protein structure and function; enzymes; lipids and the structure of biological membranes; nucleotides and the structure of nucleic acids; bioenergetics and the catabolism of carbohydrates. Prerequisites: CHEM 101 and CHEM 261 or 164, or SCI 100.

Covers focused topics in biochemistry at an introductory level. This course is intended for undergraduates who are not in Biochemistry programs. Consult the Department for details about current offerings. Prerequisites: BIOL 30 and CHEM 30 are highly recommended but may be waived with consent of the instructor. Other prerequisite courses may be identified by the instructor, depending on the topic covered. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once.

A credit/no-credit course under the supervision of an academic member of the Department of Biochemistry. Normally taken after completion of a minimum of 30 units but not more than 60 units in a program in the Faculty of Science. Prerequisite: GPA of 2.7 or higher, BIOCH 200, and consent of department. Normally taken in addition to a full course load. Note: Application does not guarantee a position. Credit may be obtained twice.

This course is designed to enable rigorous study of the molecular mechanisms in bioenergetics and metabolism. It covers: the principles of bioenergetics; the reactions and pathways of carbohydrate, lipid, and nitrogen metabolism, and their regulation; oxidative phosphorylation; the integration and hormonal regulation of mammalian metabolism. Prerequisites: BIOCH 200, CHEM 102 (or SCI 100) and CHEM 263 with a minimum GPA of 2.70 for these three courses. In the case of over-subscription, preference will be given to students enrolled in programs with a requirement for this course.

This course is designed to illustrate, in detail, the relationships between structure and function in biological molecules. It covers: the structure of proteins; experimental techniques used to study proteins; selected illustrations of protein function; enzyme catalysis, kinetics, and regulation; structural carbohydrates and glycobiology; the structure of lipids; biological membranes and mechanisms of transport. Prerequisites: BIOCH 200, CHEM 102 (or SCI 100) and CHEM 263 with a minimum GPA of 2.70 for these three courses. In the case of over-subscription, preference will be given to students enrolled in programs with a requirement for this course.

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the biochemistry of nucleic acids. It covers: the structure and properties of nucleotides and nucleic acids; DNA-based information technologies; genes and chromosome structure; molecular mechanisms in DNA replication, repair, and recombination; RNA metabolism; protein synthesis and targeting; the regulation of gene expression. Prerequisites: BIOCH 200, CHEM 102 (or SCI 100), and CHEM 263, with a minimum GPA of 2.70 for these three courses. In the case of over-subscription, preference will be given to students enrolled in programs with a requirement for this course.

Supervised research within a laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry. The results of the research project will be presented in a poster. This course is available only as a six week Spring or Summer session course. Prerequisites: Credit in at least one 300-level BIOCH course and consent of the Department. BIOCH 398 may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in BIOCH 498 or 499.

A laboratory course which introduces a range of the experimental techniques important in biochemical research, and which focuses on development of fundamental laboratory skills and practices. Together with BIOCH 404, this course is intended as preparation for undertaking a directed research project in biochemistry. Pre or co-requisites: BIOCH 320 and 330, and consent of the Department.

Laboratory course in modern biochemical techniques. Designed for Biochemistry Honors and Specialization students in their third or fourth year. Other interested students may enrol subject to space limitations. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320 and 330 with a minimum grade of B-, and consent of Department.

Laboratory course in modern biochemical techniques. Designed for Biochemistry Honors and Specialization students in their third or fourth year. Other interested students may enrol subject to space limitations. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320 and 330 with a minimum grade of B-, and consent of Department.

Laboratory course in modern biochemical techniques. Designed for Biochemistry Honors and Specialization students in their third or fourth year. Other interested students may enrol subject to space limitations. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320 and 330 with a minimum grade of B-, and consent of Department.

This course is a continuation of BIOCH 400. It introduces additional experimental techniques important in biochemical research and continues to focus on development of fundamental laboratory skills and practices. Together with BIOCH 400, this course is intended as preparation for undertaking a directed research project in biochemistry. Prerequisites: BIOCH 400 and consent of the Department.

Research and/or reading course. This course allows a student to study an area of biochemistry in much greater detail than is usual in most courses. The format is usually a reading/tutorial in which the student carries out directed reading and meets with the tutor at regular intervals for discussion and further guidance. Term papers or presentations may be used for evaluation purposes. A mature attitude towards learning is essential, as the course often requires independent study and research. Students who have a particular interest in any specific area of biochemistry are encouraged to meet with the faculty members to explore the possibilities of arranging a mutually satisfactory topic. Prerequisites: At least two of BIOCH 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 441, 455, or 465 and consent of the Department. Available only to students in the Biochemistry Specialization or Honors programs in the final year of their program.

Principles of the biochemistry of cell communication and signal transduction through receptor activation, generation of second messengers, control of protein modifications and regulation of the cell cycle. The course emphasizes mechanisms responsible for the regulation of cell migration, division and death with an emphasis on cancer. Prerequisites: BIOCH 310, 320 and 330, all with a minimum grade of B-, or consent of the Department. This course is intended for students in Honors or Specialization in Biochemistry. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department. Graduate students may not register for credit (see BIOCH 510).

This course introduces students to adaptive and pathological changes in human metabolic pathways. The course will cover various situations which alter the 'normal' function of the metabolic pathways, such as lifestyle modifications (e.g. exercise, diet), starvation, cancer, diabetes, aging and neurodegenerative disorders, immune diseases, and mitochondrial diseases. Prerequisite(s): BIOCH 310 with a minimum grade of B-. This course is restricted to students in an Honors or Major Program in Biochemistry, students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department.

This credit/no-credit course introduces students to the skills required to effectively communicate research in biochemistry. Communication skills will be developed through critical evaluation, identification of effective techniques, and practice. Students will communicate research data to various target audiences, through oral presentations in particular and with a focus on the effective use of images and diagrams to represent and explain research findings. Prerequisites: BIOCH 310, 320 and 330, and consent of the instructor. Co-requisite: BIOCH 499. This course is restricted to students in Honors or Specialization in Biochemistry.

Principles of protein structure, function, and dynamics, with an introduction to force fields used in modern molecular dynamics. Focus topics include an introduction to intrinsically disordered proteins and their role in misfolding diseases, the structural biology, ligand binding, and mechanisms of membrane bound enzymes, and mechanisms underlying the regulation of protein function and enzymes involved in cell signaling. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320, with a minimum grade of B- or consent of Department. This course is intended for students in Honors or Specialization in Biochemistry. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department. Graduate students may not register for credit (see BIOCH 520).

An advanced course focusing on the analysis of protein function and protein-protein interactions within the context of the entire protein complement of a cell. Some aspects of protein structure as it pertains to the principles of protein-protein interactions will be covered along with genetic and biochemical methods for the analysis of protein complexes, protein interaction networks and system wide protein identification and dynamics. This course is intended for students in Honors or Specialization in Biochemistry. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320 and BIOCH 330 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in these courses.

This course focuses on the biochemical mechanisms underlying the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. The focus will be on the regulation of gene expression at the levels of transcription, post-transcriptional processing, and translation. The course will specifically address biochemical and structural mechanisms underlying gene regulation, as well as biochemical experimental methods that can be used to probe these activities. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320 and 330, both with a minimum grade of B- or consent of Department. This course is intended for students in Honors or Specialization in Biochemistry. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department. Graduate students may not register for credit (see BIOCH 530).

Survey of the structure and function of biological membranes. Topics include the structure, properties and composition of biomembranes, characterization and structural principles of membrane lipids and proteins, lateral and transverse asymmetry, dynamics, lipid-protein interactions, membrane enzymology, permeability, and biogenesis. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320, with a minimum grade of B- or consent of Department. This course is intended for students in Honors or Specialization in Biochemistry. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department. Graduate students may not register for credit (see BIOCH 541).

Survey of biophysical methods used in the characterization and structural determination of biological macromolecules, from ensemble measurements to single-molecule detection. Topics include mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, light microscopy, X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, molecular dynamics and nuclear magnetic resonance. Emphasis is on using techniques in evaluating structure-function relationships through the discussion of representative macromolecular systems. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320 with a minimum grade of B- or consent of the Department. This course is intended for students in Honors or Specialization in Biochemistry. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department. This course cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in BIOCH 460.

This course explores both the opportunities and challenges of synthetic life by providing a practical and theoretical introduction to this new discipline through lectures, class discussion, and hands on computational exercises. Topics covered include: natural vs artificial design of genetic circuits, and the theoretical aspects of gene and gene network construction using molecular biology techniques. Prerequisites: BIOCH 330 (or equivalent), registration in the Faculties of Science or Engineering, and a minimum GPA 3.3 (or consent of the department).

This course expands on BIOCH 481, providing opportunity for further skill development in analysis of the function of natural and engineered gene and metabolic networks. These computational labs are intended to explore the concepts applied in computer modeling during the design, testing, and optimization steps required to create biological model systems. Prerequisites: BIOCH 481.

Covers specialized topics of current interest to advanced undergraduates in Biochemistry programs. Consult the Department for details about current offerings. Prerequisites: BIOCH 310, 320 and 330, and consent of the instructor. This course is restricted to students in Honors or Specialization in Biochemistry. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once.

Supervised research within an international laboratory assigned by the Department of Biochemistry, to be carried out over one term (Spring or Summer). The results of the research project will be presented in an oral presentation. Can be taken as a science elective but not as a substitute for required courses in biochemistry. Can be taken for credit in addition to BIOCH 498 and BIOCH 499. Prerequisites: BIOCH 401 and consent of the Department.

Supervised research within a laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry, to be carried out over one term (Fall or Winter). The results of the research project will be presented in a short seminar. This course is intended for senior students in Honors or Specialization in Biochemistry. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and background. This course is not a substitute for required courses in Biochemistry. Requires consent of the Department.

Supervised research within a laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry, to be carried out over both terms of Fall/Winter. The results of the research project will be presented in a final written report and an oral presentation. This course is required for the Honors program, but can be taken as a science elective by students in the Specialization program. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability. Prerequisites: BIOCH 401 and consent of the Department.

Supervised research within a laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry, to be carried out over both terms of Fall/Winter. The results of the research project will be presented in a final written report and an oral presentation. This course is required for the Honors program, but can be taken as a science elective by students in the Specialization program. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability. Prerequisites: BIOCH 401 and consent of the Department.

Principles of the biochemistry of cell communication and signal transduction through receptor activation, generation of second messengers, control of protein modifications and regulation of the cell cycle. The course emphasizes mechanisms responsible for the regulation of cell migration, division and death with an emphasis on cancer. Prerequisites: BIOCH 310, 320 and 330, all with a minimum grade of B-, or consent of the Department. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 410, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in BIOCH 410.

Principles of protein structure, function, and dynamics, with an introduction to force fields used in modern molecular dynamics. Focus topics include an introduction to intrinsically disordered proteins and their role in misfolding diseases, the structural biology, ligand binding, and mechanisms of membrane bound enzymes, and mechanisms underlying the regulation of protein function and enzymes involved in cell signaling. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320, with a minimum grade of B- or consent of Department. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 420, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in BIOCH 420.

An advanced course focusing on the analysis of protein function and protein-protein interactions within the context of the entire protein complement of a cell. Some aspects of protein structure as it pertains to the principles of protein-protein interactions will be covered along with genetic and biochemical methods for the analysis of protein complexes, protein interaction networks and system wide protein identification and dynamics. This course is intended for students in Biochemistry but students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department. Prerequisites: BIOCH 420 and BIOCH 430 or their equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.2 in these courses.

This course focuses on the biochemical mechanisms underlying the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. The focus will be on the regulation of gene expression at the levels of transcription, post-transcriptional processing, and translation. The course will specifically address biochemical and structural mechanisms underlying gene regulation, as well as biochemical experimental methods that can be used to probe these activities. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320 and 330 with a minimum grade of B- or consent of Department. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 430, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in BIOCH 430.

Survey of the structure and function of biological membranes. Topics include the structure, properties and composition of biomembranes, characterization and structural principles of membrane lipids and proteins, lateral and transverse asymmetry, dynamics, lipid-protein interactions, membrane enzymology, permeability, and biogenesis. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of B- or consent of Department. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 441, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in BIOCH 441.

Survey of biophysical methods used in the characterization and structural determination of biological macromolecules, from ensemble measurements to single-molecule detection. Topics include mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, light microscopy, X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, molecular dynamics and nuclear magnetic resonance. Emphasis is on using techniques in evaluating structure-function relationships through the discussion of representative macromolecular systems. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 465, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. This course cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in BIOCH 460 or 465.

Principles of X-ray crystallography as applied to the study of protein and nucleic acid structure. Practical aspects of diffraction and structure solution are demonstrated by a collaborative study of a suitable small molecule of biological interest. Designed for graduate students. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor. Maximum enrolment of 10 students. Offered in alternate years.

Directed reading and seminar course, based on papers taken from recent literature of protein research. Students critically discuss the papers and give oral presentations to the class. Designed for graduate students. Prerequisite: BIOCH 420 or equivalent, or consent of Department.

This course is a journal club and discussion group in which current research topics on nucleic acids, molecular and cellular biology are discussed. Specific subjects presented range from biochemistry, genetics and microbiology to developmental biology and clinical aspects of nucleic acid derived therapeutics.

This course is a journal club and discussion group in which current research topics on nucleic acids, molecular and cellular biology are discussed. Specific subjects presented range from biochemistry, genetics and microbiology to developmental biology and clinical aspects of nucleic acid derived therapeutics.

Seminar course for advanced students. Detailed consideration is given to recent advances in research on protein structure and function and mechanism of enzyme action. Prerequisite: BIOCH 420 or consent of Department.

Seminar course for advanced students. Detailed consideration is given to recent advances in research on protein structure and function and mechanism of enzyme action. Prerequisite: BIOCH 420 or consent of Department.

Directed reading and seminar course, based on papers taken from the recent literature of molecular biology. Students critically discuss the papers and give oral presentations. Note: designed for graduate students; offered yearly. Students in other programs may be admitted subject to availability and with the consent of the Department. Prerequisite: BIOCH 530 or equivalent and consent of the Department.

Seminar course for advanced students covering selected topics from the current literature in the field of membrane structure and function. Prerequisite: BIOCH 441 or consent of Department.

Seminar course for advanced students covering selected topics from the current literature in the field of membrane structure and function. Prerequisite: BIOCH 441 or consent of Department.

Directed reading and seminar course on the structure and function of biological membranes. Topics include membrane biogenesis, bioenergetics, transport and structural aspects of membrane lipids and proteins. Prerequisite: BIOCH 441 or consent of the Department.

A journal club and discussion group addressing topics in the general area of signalling mechanisms that control cell activation, growth, apoptosis and vesicle trafficking. Specific talks range from biochemistry, genetics and microbiology to molecular biology and clinical aspects. Prerequisite: BIOCH 410/510 or consent of Department.

A journal club and discussion group addressing topics in the general area of signalling mechanisms that control cell activation, growth, apoptosis and vesicle trafficking. Specific talks range from biochemistry, genetics and microbiology to molecular biology and clinical aspects. Prerequisite: BIOCH 410/510 or consent of Department.

Seminar for advanced students covering selected topics from the current literature in the field of lipid and lipoprotein research. Prerequisite: BIOCH 555 or consent of Department.

Seminar for advanced students covering selected topics from the current literature in the field of lipid and lipoprotein research. Prerequisite: BIOCH 555 or consent of Department.

Recent developments and use of the current literature are emphasized. Topics include regulation of lipid metabolism, intracellular lipid trafficking, regulation of lipoprotein secretion, lipid transfer among lipoproteins, reverse cholesterol transport, and atherosclerosis. Prerequisite: BIOCH 455, or 555, or consent of Department. Offered in alternate years.

The goal of this course is to provide training in the skills required to succeed in the modern work place. The course will take the form of four-hour monthly sessions, consisting of group discussions, lectures, short assignments and student presentations. There will be presentations by highly successful Ph.D. alumni, which will serve as case studies in how the transition from graduate school to the workplace can occur, and what pitfalls need be avoided in the workplace. Course is graded on cr/nc, students must attend the classes and complete required assignments. Open to graduate students in the Department of Biochemistry and other graduate students with permission of the course instructor.

The goal of this course is to provide training in the skills required to succeed in the modern work place. The course will take the form of four-hour monthly sessions, consisting of group discussions, lectures, short assignments and student presentations. There will be presentations by highly successful Ph.D. alumni, which will serve as case studies in how the transition from graduate school to the workplace can occur, and what pitfalls need be avoided in the workplace. Course is graded on cr/nc, students must attend the classes and complete required assignments. Open to graduate students in the Department of Biochemistry and other graduate students with permission of the course instructor.

Seminar course for advanced students focused on recent advances in research into mechanisms of protein folding and disease states caused by protein misfolding, including prion diseases. Prerequisite: BIOCH 520 or consent of the Department.

Seminar course for advanced students focused on recent advances in research into mechanisms of protein folding and disease states caused by protein misfolding, including prion diseases. Prerequisite: BIOCH 520 or consent of the Department.

A seminar course on topics of current interest in biochemistry. Students will contribute to a presentation based on recent developments published in first rate journals. Attendance at all seminars is expected. Note: open only to graduate students in Biochemistry.

A seminar course on topics of current interest in biochemistry. Students will contribute to a presentation based on recent developments published in first rate journals. Attendance at all seminars is expected. Note: open only to graduate students in Biochemistry.

A seminar course on topics of current interest in biochemistry. Students will contribute a presentation on their research project that includes original data. Attendance at all seminars is expected. Prerequisite: BIOCH 670 or consent of the Department. Note: open only to graduate students in Biochemistry.

A seminar course on topics of current interest in biochemistry. Students will contribute a presentation on their research project that includes original data. Attendance at all seminars is expected. Prerequisite: BIOCH 670 or consent of the Department. Note: open only to graduate students in Biochemistry.

Designed for advanced honors and graduate students interested in the application of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to biological systems. Topics include quantum mechanical basis of NMR, multinuclear multidimensional NMR experiments, NMR relaxation theory, new NMR applications. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor. Offered in alternate years.

This course will explore the development and application of kinetic models for protein interactions, dynamics, and enzyme catalysis that include the principle of microscopic reversibility/detailed balance. Focus topics may include, but are not limited to: numerical methods for fitting and analyses of experimental kinetic data derived from spectroscopic techniques, as well as blending of all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics methods with experimental data to develop detailed molecular insights into proteins of biological interest. Prerequisites: BIOCH 420, 465, or equivalent and consent of the instructor. Maximum enrolment of 10 students. Offered in alternate years.

A credit/no-credit course for graduate students who are actively participating in the mentorship of undergraduate students in a half term research course (e.g. BIOCH 398 and 498) in the Department of Biochemistry. Mentorship includes activities such as in lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Can be taken in any year and Spring/Summer session. Credit may be obtained more than once. Requires the submission of an initial project summary with student learning objectives, monthly progress and final reports. Prerequisite: Consent of the Department of Biochemistry.

A credit/no-credit course for graduate students who are actively participating in the mentorship of undergraduate students in a full-term research course (e.g. BIOCH 499) in the Department of Biochemistry. Mentorship includes activities such as in lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Can be taken in any year. Credit may be obtained more than once. Requires the submission of an initial project summary with student learning objectives, monthly progress and final reports. Prerequisite: Consent of Department of Biochemistry.

A credit/no-credit course for graduate students who are actively participating in the mentorship of undergraduate students in a full-term research course (e.g. BIOCH 499) in the Department of Biochemistry. Mentorship includes activities such as in lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Can be taken in any year. Credit may be obtained more than once. Requires the submission of an initial project summary with student learning objectives, monthly progress and final reports. Prerequisite: Consent of Department of Biochemistry.