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1. I.  Biochemistry Orientation (BL1800; Fall)---Link to the Course Website
   

Introduction to selected research and career opportunities in biochemistry with emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of the field.  

Credits: 1.0

Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-0)

Semesters Offered: Fall

Pre-Requisite(s): None

2. II. Molecular Biology Seminar (BL1900; Spring)---Link to the Course Website
   

Discussion of current molecular topics in modern biology. Topics include applications in medicine and agriculture, gene therapy, genetically modified organisms, cloning, stem cells, use of these problem solving techniques in forensics and genetic disease, ethics.

Credits: 1.0

Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)

Semesters Offered: Spring

Attributes: General Ed Science

3. III. Biochemistry I (BL4010; Fall)---Link to the Course Website
   

Structure, biochemical properties, and function of important biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Introduces enzyme biochemistry (structure, function, catalysis, kinetics, and inhibition).

Credits: 3.0

Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)

Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer

Pre-Requisite(s): (BL 1020 or BL 1040 or BL 2010) and BL 2100 and (CH 2410 or CH 2420)

Attributes: ECM Chemistry Elective, Chemical Engr Technical Elec, Biomedical Eng Science Electiv, FES Biology Electives, FES Environmental Electives, General Ed Science

3. IV. BIOCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES (BL4820, 2 CREDITS, SPRING)---Link to the Course Website
   

Biochemistry Laboratory TechniquesView in a new windowPreview the documentView in a new window (BL4820 in PDFView in a new windowPreview the documentView in a new window) is basic to biochemistry with emphasis on protein/enzyme isolation, purification, characterization, and kinetics. It's a 2-credit lab course that will be conducted at 1:00 pm - 4:55 pm, Thursdays at DOW Envir Sciences & Engr Bldg 0711 (Dow 711). The lab course will be presented with a short introduction (~50 min by the instructor)and a detailed lab practice (~2 hrs 20 min, guided by the TA)..

Credits: 2.0

Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-2)

Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer

Pre-Requisite(s): BL 4010(C) or CH 4710(C)

Attributes: FES Biology Electives, FES Environmental Electives, General Ed Science

4. V. Advanced Molecular Biology (BMB 6020)---Link to the course website
   

Course will focus on gene structure, gene duplication, gene expression, gene regulation, DNA recombination, DNA repair and transposition. Comparison between prokaryotes and eukaryotes will be drawn. Genomics and modern biotechnology methods will be discussed. Classic and current papers may accompany the lecture material. Foundations in basic biochemistry and molecular biology are required for this course.

Credits: 3.0

Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)

Semesters Offered: Spring

Restrictions: Foundations in basic biochemistry and molecular biology are required for this course.

5. VI. Gene Silencing Experimental Technology (BL4000, BL5503, BL5990, and BL6990; Spring and Fall)
   

RNAi and microRNA (miRNA) are the year 2006 Nobel Prize winning discoveries, although the related studies are still at their early stages. These areas are currently hot areas in both academic research and in the industrial sector. This course is designed to provide senior undergraduate and graduate students, who normally don’t have the chance to do research or be involved in the frontline of a challenging field, an opportunity to take part in the initial stages of cutting-edge science. The lab course will be a small project-driven practical exposure to all aspects of RNAi and miRNA-related skills, and thus provide excellent training for undergraduate and graduate students who wish to be ready for their graduate studies or would like to use RNAi technology for his/her thesis. The experimental focus will be on the miRNA biogenesis, regulation of miRNAs, detection of miRNAs, role of miRNAs in human cell and plant development, and applications of small RNA technologies in gene silencing. After taking this course, the attentive student will understand RNAi and miRNA in depth and will have learned not only the ability to ask intriguing questions about a research project development in general, but also more specifically applying RNAi and miRNA to modern plant biology, in addition to having learned the techniques involved.