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Biochemistry
Biochemists study the chemistry of living things in both normal
and diseased states. They try to understand the complex structural
combinations that form between proteins, lipids and nucleic acids
(e.g. DNA, shown here), as well as, the molecular reactions involved in
metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity.
The chemistry of the brain and how various drugs affect it, the
biosynthesis of cholesterol and how to control it, the mechanics
of muscle contraction at the molecular level, are all examples of
the scope of the discipline. Biochemists use techniques such as
nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray crystallography and fluorescence
spectroscopy to study biomolecules and the reactions involved in
these processes.
The recent development of genetic engineering has led to a tremendous
increase in the ability of biochemists to understand the delicate
chemical balance that is found in living organisms. Ultimately,
a complete understanding of the cause and treatment of diseases
such as cancer, AIDS, and heart disease depend on a thorough understanding
of the chemistry underlying these disease states.
The Biochemistry program draws on faculty from the departments of
both biology and chemistry. Faculty expertise is available in structural
biochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, enzymology, molecular biology,
cell biology, immunology, bioinformatics and biochemical genetics.
Biochemistry students may emphasize the "biological" or the "chemical"
side of biochemistry. Prior to Fall 2001, this was formalized
in a two-track system (Molecular Biochemistry and Physical Biochemistry,
resp.), but in Fall 2001, the two tracks were combined, and students
now have the flexibility to choose courses from both tracks, as
well as to elect courses from the new Bioinformatics
Program. The details of the new Biochemistry curriculum are
below.
Students enrolling at USP after Fall 2001 will follow the "new"
Biochemistry Curriculum. Students enrolled prior to Fall 2001 may
continue to follow either track of the older curriculum, or choose
to graduate under the new Biochemistry Curriculum. Examples of the
two older curricula are available at the following links: Molecular
Biochemistry and Physical
Biochemistry.
Biochemistry Curriculum
Students may opt for a physical approach to biochemistry by taking
the second semester of physical chemistry (CH 322 - Physical Chemistry
II), or a more biological approach by taking microbiology (BS 240
- Basics of Microbiology). The physical chemistry approach better
prepares students to utilize the modern instrumentation needed to
attack important problems in biochemistry, such as nitrogen fixation,
protein folding, protein-DNA binding, and the interaction of light
with plants (photosynthesis) and with the eye (vision). The more biological
approach has an increased emphasis on areas of biology that impact
strongly on the chemical - biological interface, such as immunobiology
and virology.
It is important to recognize that CH 322 and BS 240 are both prerequisites
for other courses in the curriculum, so it is critical that students
consult with their assigned Department advisor in planning their schedules
to ensure that they will be properly prepared for courses taken later
in the Program.
The total credits required for graduation is 128/131.
* The two Biochemistry Electives required may be selected from a large
list, contingent upon meeting the appropriate prerequisites. A sampling
of courses available are indicated below:
Instrumental Analysis
Structure Activity Relationships
Medicinal Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Computer-Aided Drug Design
Undergraduate Research
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Advanced Microbiology
Immunology
Virology
Microbial Physiology
Pharmacognosy
Bioinformatics I/II
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Notes:
(1) Courses listed in "bold" are offered by DCB.
(2) Students should also keep in mind that nearly all chemistry, biology,
math and physics courses are only offered in the Fall or Spring semester,
not both. Courses followed by an (*) either may not be offered every
year, or are offered based on student interest and instructor availability.
Schedules should be planned accordingly.
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