Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology (BBMB) Program

Biochemistry (BBMB-325)

A detailed examination of protein structure and function, focusing on the role of proteins in molecular recognition and catalysis. Topics include: techniques used to characterize proteins; enzyme kinetics and mechanisms; signal transduction across membranes; bioenergetics; catabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; integration of metabolism and disease.

Biomolecular Techniques Lab (BBMB-337)

Laboratory exercises emphasizing protein structure and function. Methods may include reagent preparation; protein isolation, purification, and identification; enzyme and protein assays; structure determination via X-ray diffraction; spectroscopic analysis of protein folding and ligand binding; and models of thermal motion via particle tracking. One three hour laboratory per week.

 

Biology Department 

Synthetic Cell Biology (BIOL-471)

Synthetic biologists take apart, rebuild, and repurpose parts of a cell in order to program and probe cell behavior. To do this, synthetic biologists utilize approaches from cell biology, engineering, molecular genetics, and biochemistry. This advanced course will survey the questions addressed by synthetic biology research, the molecular approaches utilized, and the implications of this work in the realms of biomedicine and agriculture. A key component of this survey will be the lab, wherein students will engage in a synthetic biology research project focused on “programming” yeast cells to sense and respond to plant hormones. Course-work will include reading and discussion of primary research literature, lectures to provide background information, student-led presentations, scientific writing, and hands-on lab work.

Genes & Genetic Engineering (BIOL-125)

Designed for non-science majors. An introduction to principles of genetics related to medicine, agriculture and biotechnology. The class will focus on selected genetics-related topics of current social, environmental or economic importance, and will include student-led investigations into benefits and controversies of those topics and related applications.