B. Course Description

An advanced-level survey of currently active areas in prokaryotic and eukaryotic biochemistry and molecular biology, covering structure-function relationships of major classes of biomolecules ranging from small molecules to macromolecular machines and subcellular organelles. Reading assignments from the current literature. Fulfills the GSBS molecular area breadth requirement.

Four semester hours. Spring annually. Prerequisite: introductory-level biochemistry course and consent of course director.

C . Reading Material  

-Recommended General Reference (any basic biochemistry text will serve):

* Berg, Tymoczko & Stryer, Biochemistry, 5th Edition, W.H. Freeman and Co., 2002.

* Lehninger, Nelson and Cox, Principles of Biochemistry, 3rd Edition, Worth Publishers, 2000.

* Voet & Voet, Biochemistry, Wiley & Sons, 1998.

-Literature References:

Copies of required and/or suggested reading for individual topic modules will be distributed by email as pdf files; most are also available at the TMC Library website.

D. Homework, Examinations and Grading  

-Homework problem sets are assigned for most topic modules. Completed homework is due at the beginning of the final session for modules with three or more sessions, and one week after the last session for modules with two sessions. Unless otherwise specified, answers to homework problems are expected to reflect an individual student's effort, although consultation with classmates and faculty is encouraged.

-Exam I covers the first five topics (19 sessions) and Exam II covers the remaining seven topics (22 sessions).

-The course grade is based 30% on homework, 32% on Exam I (19 sessions) and 38% on Exam II (22 sessions). The grading weight of individual homework papers will be normalized to the number of sessions on each topic. The course letter grades are statistically adjusted; the class mean represents a middle B. Letter grades are assigned only at the end of the course.

E. Access to Instructors:

-It is each student's responsibility to seek any needed assistance with course material in a timely fashion. Please don't wait until the week before the exam to review material and ask for help, but rather try to keep up with the material as the course progresses.

-The instructors are available after class and by appointment (easily set up by phone or email) to answer questions and discuss lecture material.

F. Other Issues:

Please contact the Course Director (Dr. Kulmacz) by phone or email about issues concerning the mechanics of the course, grading, and administrative problems.