Department of Biochemistry

• Department of Biochemistry
  • FACULTY
  • UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
  • MAJOR (BACHELOR OF ARTS)
  • MAJOR(BACHELOR OF SCIENCE)
  • HONORS PROGRAM
  • MINOR
  • GRADUATE PROGRAMS
  • UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
  • GRADUATE COURSES

Department of Biochemistry

Biochemical Research
School of Medicine
Phone 368-3344; Fax 368-4544
Richard W. Hanson

The Department of Biochemistry offers undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and graduate programs leading to the Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, the combined Bachelor of Arts-Doctor of Philosophy and combined Doctor of Medicine-Doctor of Philosophy.

In addition, many interdisciplinary and interdepartmental programs are available with other departments in the School of Medicine and in Case Western Reserve University that provide other possible avenues of study for those interested in pursuing a career in biochemistry. Research interests within the department include a broad spectrum of modern biochemical topics. Departmental facilities include major special equipment and well equipped laboratories needed for research in modern biochemistry. Additional information about either the undergraduate or graduate programs can be obtained by contacting the departmental office.

FACULTY

(See School of Medicine.)

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

The two undergraduate major programs are based on the Arts & Sciences General Education Requirements, but they differ in their requirements of fundamental mathematical and physical sciences. Either degree is excellent for students planning to undertake graduate work in biochemistry or in related areas of the biomedical sciences. The B.A., with its reduced emphasis on the quantitative aspects of science, may be particularly attractive to those students who intend to pursue a career in medicine or in other areas outside of biochemistry. The availability of a considerable amount of elective time permits a student to concentrate on biochemistry even more intensively than the curriculum requires, or to pursue other subjects in science or the liberal arts. The B.S. degree is for the student whose primary goal is to become a biochemist, and who has an interest in the quantitative physical sciences. Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged for all biochemistry majors. As many as nine hours of Research in Biochemistry (BIOC 391) may be credited toward the requirements for graduation.

A small number of additional courses will qualify biochemistry students for a double major in chemistry and for associate or full membership in the American Chemical Society.

Both the B.A. and the B.S. programs, shown on the following pages, permit students to follow many options after graduation. Graduates are well prepared to pursue further studies in the biological sciences, for a career in medicine, for employment in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry, or as research assistants in academic research laboratories.

MAJOR

(leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree)

Students enroll in the curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemistry, and are required to complete the following courses:

BIOC 307, 308, 371, 372

BIOC elective (312, 334, or approved equivalent)

2 courses (6 cr) from other approved biochemistry electives BIOL 110, 210, 211, 326; CHEM 105, 106 (or 107, 108); 113, 223, 224 (or 323, 324), 233, 234, 301; MATH 125, 126 (or 121, 122); PHYS 115, 116 (or 121, 122), including laboratory.

MAJOR

(leading to the Bachelor of Science degree)

Students enroll in the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, and are required to complete the following courses:

BIOC 307, 308, 312, 334, 371, 372

1 course (3 cr) from other approved biochemistry electives: BIOL 110, 210, 211, 326; CHEM 105, 106 (or 107, 108); 113; 223, 224 (or 323, 324); 301, 302 (or 335, 336); 321, 322 (or 233, 234, and 304); CMPS 131; MATH 121, 122, 223, 224 (or 123, 124, 227, 228); PHYS 121, 122 (or 123, 124), including laboratory; 221 (or 223); Statistics/Data Analysis Elective (PHYS 250, ECMP 251, STAT 380, 385, or equivalent)

HONORS PROGRAM

Biochemistry majors who have excellent academic records will be admitted to the department's Undergraduate Honors Program. To graduate with departmental honors in biochemistry, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. A combined grade point average of at least 3.3 in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry, and an overall grade point average of 3.0
2. A minimum of 6 credit hours of undergraduate research (BIOC 391) in one laboratory
3. A research report approved by the Undergraduate Education Committee of the department on the basis of the quality of the research, the written report, and an oral presentation. An acceptable report:
   1. Should follow a standard journal format
   2. Should demonstrate a student's understanding of the research area, experimental techniques, goals and implications of the project
   3. Should show that the student has advanced his/her knowledge of the applicable techniques and the underlying scientific concepts

The research advisor is asked to write a letter recommending the student.

MINOR

Students may obtain credit for a minor in biochemistry by completing one year of freshman chemistry (including laboratory), one year of organic chemistry (including laboratory), two semesters of approved biology courses, and three semesters of didactic courses in biochemistry. A recommended sequence of courses would include:

CHEM 105, 106 (or 107, 108)

CHEM 113 laboratory

CHEM 223, 224 (or 323, 324); 233, 234

BIOL 110, 210

BIOC 307, 308, and either 312 or 334.

The sequences may be followed after consultation with the Department of Biochemistry and with the other departments involved.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

(See School of Medicine.)

Biochemistry (BIOC)

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

BIOC 307, General Biochemistry, 4

Overview of the macromolecules and small molecules key to all living systems. Topics include: protein structure and function; enzyme mechanisms, kinetics and regulation; membrane structure and function; bioenergetics; hormone action; intermediary metabolism, including pathways and regulation of carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide biosynthesis and breakdown. One semester of biology is recommended.

Prerequisite: CHEM 223 or CHEM 224

BIOC 308, Molecular Biology: Genes and Genetic Engineering, 4

An examination of the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. Topics include: nucleic acid structure; mechanisms and control of DNA, RNA, and protein biosynthesis; recombinant DNA; mRNA processing and modification. Where possible, eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems are compared. Special topics include yeast as a model organism, molecular biology of cancer, and molecular biology of development. Current literature is discussed briefly as an introduction to techniques of genetic engineering.

Prerequisite: BIOL 205 or BIOC 307

BIOC 312, Macromolecular Structure and Function, 3

Interactions between biomolecules are discussed in a system-based approach that stresses quantitative and structural characterization. Topics discussed include site-directed mutagenesis of enzymes, DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions.

Prerequisite: BIOC 307 and CHEM 301

BIOC 320, Molecular Genetics of Cancer, 3

Molecular basis of cancer is covered in lectures and discussion of the scientific literature. The principal topics are cellular and viral oncogenes and tumor suppressors, including their identification, function, and roles in cellular transformation and malignant progression in humans and in animal model systems.

Prerequisite: BIOC 307 and BIOC 308

BIOC 334, Structural Biology of Proteins, Enzymes, and Nucleic Acids, 3

Detailed consideration of the structure and function of proteins and enzymes. Topics include: enzyme structure, kinetics, and mechanisms; structural biology of proteins and protein-DNA complexes; and techniques for structural analysis.

Prerequisite: BIOL 205 or BIOC 307

BIOC 371, Undergraduate Biochemistry Seminar, 1

Discussion of selected topics of current interest based on appropriate literature.

Prerequisite: BIOC 307 and BIOC 308

BIOC 372, Undergraduate Biochemistry Seminar, 1

Discussion of selected topics of current interest based on appropriate literature.

Prerequisite: BIOC 307 and BIOC 308

BIOC 391, Research Project, 1-36

(Credit as arranged) Offered on a pass/fail basis only. Maximum 9 hours total credit.

GRADUATE COURSES

(See School of Medicine.)

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
MAJOR IN BIOCHEMISTRY

a) Selected students may be invited to take CHEM 323, 324.
b) Students who have completed BIOL 110 or who have received advanced standing may elect to take BIOL 210 in the sophomore year.

NOTE-Up to nine credit hours of undergraduate research, BIOC 391, may be counted as electives toward graduation. Students should consult their academic advisers about the elective parts of the curriculum.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE
MAJOR IN BIOCHEMISTRY

NOTE-Up to nine credit hours of undergraduate research, BIOC 391, may be counted as electives toward graduation. Students should consult their academic advisers about the elective parts of the curriculum.

a) Selected students may be invited to take PHYS 123, 124, Physics and Frontiers, I, II (Honors), in place of PHYS 121, 122.

b) Students who have either completed or received advanced placement in BIOL 110 may elect to take BIOL 210 in the sophomore year.

c) Selected students may be invited to take CHEM 323, 324, Organic Chemistry, in place of CHEM 223, 224.

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