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Our program in biochemistry and molecular biology is designed to provide a solid introduction to the cellular and molecular fundamentals of life. Its overall design is to "build up," starting in the freshman-sophomore years with a solid foundation in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as biology. The "payoff" then comes in the junior and senior years, as we progress from macromolecules to metabolism to molecular genetics to the integrated anatomy and physiology of the cell itself.
At the same time, these junior-senior BMB courses introduce the student to most of the major experimental tools that are critical to this molecular understanding of life. Finally, students are exposed to a wide spectrum of research currently underway in this field, partly by a year-long senior seminar on current research topics, and partly by the expectation that most BMB upperclass students will be involved in research participation, either at Centre or in several off-campus programs with which we are now affiliated.
Students contemplating a major in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) should plan to take CHE 131 and CHE 132 in their freshman year. They should also take BIO 110 in their freshman year, either fall or spring term. They should then continue in their sophomore year with CHE 241 and BMB 210 in the fall term, and CHE 341 in the spring term. In addition to these required courses, prospective BMB majors should carefully consider the following list of recommended freshman-sophomore courses, paying particular attention to other 100- and 200-level courses required for the major, as well as to electives. Some of these courses, although they could be deferred to later years, when taken in the sophomore year can provide a more timely preparation for a particular upper-division objective (such as taking graduate or professional school admissions exams, or participating in off-campus studies).
BMB
210 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (four credit hours)
A study of the fundamental structures and processes which make life possible.
The cell is taken as the "common denominator" of all life. Central topics
in the course are the macromolecules, organelles, and pathways of energy
flow and information transfer upon which the universal modular role of the
cell is based. Prerequisite: BIO 110, CHE 131, CHE 132, CHE 241 (CHE 241
may be taken concurrently). Laboratory work is required.
NOTE: Prospective BMB and BIO majors with strong backgrounds
in chemistry are advised to take BMB 210 in the fall of their sophomore
year alongside CHE 241; other students with weaker backgrounds in chemistry
may be better served by first completing CHE 241 in the fall and then taking
BMB 210 in the spring of their sophomore year.
BMB
310 Macromolecules
A study of the four major families of biological molecules: polysaccharides,
lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The course covers the composition and
configuration of these compounds, analysis of their physical and chemical
properties, and the molecular mechanisms of their functions in metabolism
and ultrastructure of the cell. Prerequisite: CHE 241 and BMB
210. CHE 341 is recommended. Usually taken by BMB majors fall term,
junior year.
BMB
320 Cellular Metabolism
A study of the intermediary metabolism of living cells. The principal metabolic
pathways studied are those which provide for synthesis, degradation, and
interconversion of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides.
Particular emphasis is given to respiration and photosynthesis as central
bioenergetic processes in the cell. Prerequisite: BMB 310
or permission of the instructor. CHE 341 is recommended. Usually taken by
BMB majors spring term, junior year.
BMB 330 Molecular Genetics
A study of the molecular basis of genetic control in living cells. Primary
areas of interest are the nucleic acid organization of genes; their packaging
within chromosomes; and the replication, modification, mutation, repair,
recombination, transcription, translation, control, evolution, and engineering
of genes. Prerequisite: BMB 320 . Usually taken by
BMB majors fall term, senior year.
BMB 340 Cell Biology
A study of eukaryotic cell structure and function at the molecular level.
Topics include modern approaches to studying cells, membrane structure and
function, intracellular compartments, protein sorting, exo- and endocytosis,
cell signaling, cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, cell and molecular mechanisms
of development, and cancer. Prerequisite: BMB 330.
Usually taken by BMB majors spring term, senior year.
BMB 316 Biochemistry Lab Techniques (three credit
hours)
This laboratory course provides a broad introduction to techniques used
in biochemical analysis, incluing protein purification, enzyme kinetics
and the use of radioisotopes. Prerequisite: BMB 310.
BMB 335 Laboratory in Molecular Genetics (one credit
hour)
This laboratory course introduces molecular genetic research techniques.
Standard experiments in this field are performed, including: DNA isolation,
plasmid purification, restriction enzyme digests and mapping, gel elution,
ligation reactions, transformations, polymerase chain reactions, Southern
blots, DNA hybridization analyses and DNA sequencing analysis/bioinformatics.
Prerequisite: BMB 330 or concurrently.
BMB 345 Laboratory in Cell Organization and Physiology
(one credit hour)
This laboratory course introduces cell biology research techniques, including
cell culture, immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and digital
imaging of microscopic images. Prerequisite: BMB 340 or concurrently.
BMB
500 Senior Seminar
A spring term study of current research topics in biochemistry and molecular
biology as presented by visiting lecturers and as encountered in analysis
of research articles from the literature. Students are expected to attend
a maximum of 39 bi-weekly meetings throughout the fall and spring terms,
to participate actively in discussion, and on at least one occasion during
the year to present a discussion open to the public on a topic they have
developed in consultation with BMB staff members. It is intended that all
of the areas covered in the BMB junior-senior program will be represented
by the topics and speakers chosen.
This page maintained by Stephanie E. Dew, dews@centre.edu
last updated 03/09/04