2001 INTRODUCTORY BIOCHEMISTRY
The structures, properties and reactions of the principal chemicals present in living cells will be discussed. Included among the compounds studied will be water, amino acids, peptides and proteins, carbohydrates, nucleosides, nucleotides and nucleic acids and selected vitamins (coenzymes). A major emphasis will be placed on chemical aspects, but the importance of chemical structure and properties to biological function will also be explored. The importance of acid-base equilibria, the principles of elementary thermodynamics (bioenergetics, the chemistry of ATP and related compounds) and elementary aspects of chemical kinetics and catalysis will also be discussed. Weekly laboratory exercises will provide first hand experience in the study of biological molecules and biochemical techniques.
Prereq: Biology 1501, Chemistry 2131 or 2141; or permission of the Department.

3501 METABOLISM
This course will emphasize the integrated series of chemical reactions that characterize living cells. A study of principles and techniques of elementary enzyme kinetics will reveal the basis of the regulation of cell chemistry. Metabolic pathways to be discussed will include glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the citric acid cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway, selected aspects of amino acid and lipid metabolism, electron transport (respiration and photosynthesis) and the biosynthesis of ATP.
Laboratory work will include the investigation of metabolically important reactions and pathways.
Prereq: Biochemistry 2001, Biology 1501; or permission of the Department.

3531 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
This course will focus on the central dogma of molecular biology - DNA makes RNA makes protein. Lectures and laboratory exercises will encompass a study of the nucleus and its relationship to gene expression, and the structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes. The genetic code, replication and repair of DNA, synthesis and translation of RNA in to protein primary structure and the evolution and preservation of DNA sequences will be examined. Genetic recombination mechanisms and their application in biotechnology will also be explored. Prereq: Biology 2601 and 3101 and Biochemistry 2001; or permission of the Department.

4511 SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY
This course provides an opportunity for a student to undertake the study of a topic in which she/he has a special interest. The course work will deal with different selected areas in modern Biochemistry. The programme of study will be jointly planned by the student and a faculty member. The content, format, and prerequisite will vary depending upon the particular area of Biochemistry to be covered, but generally will require the agreement of an instructor and permission of the Biochemistry programme. The course can be carried out in one term or throughout the year for three credits.

4521 PROTEIN BIOCHEMISTRY
The topics covered in Biochemistry 4521 include protein structure (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary); the relationship between structure and biological function; enzyme catalysis and mechanism; isolation, purification and characterization of proteins; metabolism of proteins (synthesis and degradation) and recent trends in protein design. This course relies heavily on the internet resources that have become highly developed during the last decade. Students will become familiar with sequence comparison, motif searching and development of visual protein structures constructed from the protein structural data bases available over the web. The laboratory will give students practical experience with the fun and frustration of protein isolation, enzyme purfication and kinetics, and protein/ligand binding phenomena,

Prereq: Biochemistry 3501; or permission of the Department.

4541 BIOCHEMICAL ADAPTATION OF ANIMALS
Recent findings in adaptational biochemistry will be discussed in a seminar format. Emphasis will be placed on the adaptation of organisms to the stresses of oxygen limitation, temperature, salinity and pressure extremes.
Prereq: Biochemistry 3501 Biology 3201; or permission of the Department.

4551 PLANT BIOCHEMISTRY
This course will deal with the role of compartmentation in the regulation of plant metabolism. Following discussion of the plant cell and its organelles, the location of metabolic routes will be examined, including the synthetic and degradative metabolism of carbon and nitrogen compounds. Other topics to be examined will include-membrane structure and transport of metabolites, shuttles and photorespiration; symbiotic metabolism of lichens, root nodules; algal-invertebrate associations.
Laboratory studies will complement classroom discussion.
Prereq: Biochemistry 3501; or permission of the Department.

4990 HONOURS THESIS
Prereq: Consent of supervising staff member prior to registration and permission of the Chair of the Biochemistry Programme.

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