Academic Calendar 2005 (new)» UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION» Biochemistry
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Biochemistry

Biochemistry Courses
 
280a380G381a382b385a386b387G
400F410a420b430b440a445F/G450a
460y463G465a480E483E485E491E

Biochemistry 280a, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Description: An introduction to biochemistry with emphasis on protein structure and function, intermediary metabolism and nucleic acid structure and function.
Antirequisite(s): The former Biology 280a.
Prerequisite(s): Biology 022 or Biology 023; or registration in senior years of the Foods and Nutrition Programs; Chemistry 020 or Chemistry 023.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Mandatory course in second or third year of BSc Biology program.
Note: It is strongly recommended that a course in organic chemistry be taken previously or concurrently (e.g. Chemistry 213a/b).
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Biochemistry 380G, Biochemistry Laboratory
Description: This course consists of a series of laboratory exercises designed to familiarize the student with the methodology of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Antirequisite(s): The former Biology 380b, Biochemistry 380b.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 280a (formerly Biology 280a), Chemistry 213a/b and Chemistry 223b, or Chemistry 273a and 283G, or the former Chemistry 253, and co registration in Biochemistry 381a and Biochemistry 382b (formerly Biology 381a, 382b).
3 laboratory hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
Enrolment limited: priority will be given to students registered in Honors Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Chemistry, or to students in Biology or Medical Sciences programs, and who are taking Biochemistry 381a and Biochemistry 382b (formerly Biology 381a, 382b) and have a mark of 70% or more in Biochemistry 280a (formerly Biology 280a).
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Biochemistry 381a, Biological Macromolecules
Description: A consideration of the structure of proteins and nucleic acids; enzymology; elements of recombinant DNA technology and related methodology.
Antirequisite(s): The former Biology 381a.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 3 of a Biochemistry and Chemistry program, or Biochemistry 280a (formerly Biology 280a) with a minimum mark of 65%, plus either Chemistry 213a/b and 223b with a minimum average in these two half courses of 65% or Chemistry 273a and 284G or the former Chemistry 253 with a minimum mark of 60%.
3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 382b, Biochemical Regulation
Description: Among the topics discussed will be principles of metabolic control, membrane signal transduction and mechanisms of hormonal control of metabolism, growth and differentiation.
Antirequisite(s): The former Biology 382b.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 381a (formerly Biology 381a).
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 385a, Human Biochemistry
Description: A course dealing with Biochemical aspects of the human condition. Topics in human disease, medical testing, and lifestyle will be considered in a clinical-case-oriented fashion. The emphasis will be on structural and metabolic issues related to carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, nucleic acids and proteins.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 280a (formerly Biology 280a) with a mark of at least 75%
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Note: May not be used to fulfill any of the area of concentration requirements for any BSc Biology program.
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Biochemistry 386b, Clinical Biochemistry
Description: The application of biochemical and molecular principles to the analytical components used to select, evaluate and interpret tests for clinical diseases. Also included will be discussions on the specialized instruments required. Students will gain understanding of the practice of clinical biochemistry, as one of the disciplines of laboratory medicine.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 280a (formerly Biology 280a) with a mark of at least 70%.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Note: May not be used to fulfill any of the area of concentration requirements for any BSc Biology program.
Enrolment limited.
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Biochemistry 387G, Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory
Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the methods and technologies relevant to the use of biochemistry in the diagnosis of human disease. The course will consist of laboratory exercises designed to gain experience in laboratory techniques, tutorials and rotations through selected clinical labs, and lab exercises in molecular diagnostics.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 280a (formerly Biology 280a) with a mark of 70%, Chemistry 213a and 223b with an average mark of 65%, or Chemistry 273a and 283G with a minimum mark of 60% in each, or the former Chemistry 253 with a minimum mark of 60%.
3 laboratory hours per week, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
Enrollment limited: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Honors Specialization in Clinical Biochemistry with highest academic standing in the prerequisite courses.
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Biochemistry 400F, Membrane Biochemistry
Description: An advanced treatment of structure, transport, energetics, and biogenesis of membranes.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 381a (formerly Biology 381a)
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 410a, Molecular Biology of DNA and RNA
Description: The use of fundamental techniques in molecular biology and molecular genetics are illustrated using examples from the classic and current literature. Selected topics include eukaryotic gene cloning, transgenic animals, rational drug design, DNA replication and cell cycle regulation.
Antirequisite(s): The former Biochemistry 453a and 454b.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 381a (formerly Biology 381a).
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 420b, Molecular Biology of Proteins
Description: Topics to be considered at an advanced level will include: translation, folding and assembly, targeting, turnover, structure and motifs.
Antirequisite(s): The former Biochemistry 454b.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 381a (formerly Biology 381a).
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 430b, Molecular Biology of Signal Transduction
Description: A discussion of the molecular mechanisms involved in the responses of cells to extracellular stimuli (i.e., growth factors). The molecular mechanisms involved in responses of cells to the nucleus, changes in gene expression, and subsequent changes in cellular events; both in normal conditions and in disease.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 381a and Biochemistry 382b (formerly Biology 381a, 382b).
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 440a, Protein Structure, Analysis and Design
Description: This course will provide the necessary methodology and technology to study protein structure, interactions, characterization and design of novel functional proteins. Techniques and applications broadly applicable to biology will be discussed including the theory and application of optical and NMR spectroscopies, X-ray crystallography, ultracentrifugation and mass spectroscopy.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 381a (formerly Biology 381a).
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 445F/G, Macromolecular Informatics
Description: The course will provide a project oriented approach to teach students how to access appropriate genomic and protein data bases, what search methods to use, how to interpret results and how to integrate information to address particular biological questions.
Antirequisite(s): The former Biochemistry 445a/b
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 381a (formerly Biology 381a); Computer Science 025a or Computer Science 026a/b is recommended.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
Enrolment limited.
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Biochemistry 450a, Molecular Genetics of Human Cancer
Description: Key cellular pathways that are frequently subverted in tumour cells leading to neoplasia will be discussed, as well as mechanisms by which environmental factors affect tumour development. Cancer models and molecular therapies will also be considered.
Prerequisite(s): Biology 281b, Biochemistry 381a (formerly Biology 381a).
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 460y, Bioinformatics Research Project
Description: The major research project course for students in Honors Bioinformatics. The course consists of: an independent research project (topic and supervisor chosen by consultation between student and faculty); lectures on scientific integrity; scientific communication (two seminars and a written report).
Antirequisite(s): Computer Science 460Z, Biochemistry 483E, 491E, and the former Biochemistry 484E.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in year 4 of the Honors Bioinformatics program.
10 hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 463G, Biochemistry of Genetic Diseases
Description: In this course, knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry is applied to the understanding of human genetic diseases. Topics of current interest are used as examples to study the transition from mutations to clinical disorders. Societal and ethical issues are discussed.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 381a (formerly Biology 381a).
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 465a, Instrumentation for Proteomics and Related Analyses
Description: The principles and applications of modern analytical techniques used in proteomics and related biochemical analyses will be introduced. These techniques include chromatography, electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance and surface imaging microscopy.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 381a
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 480E, Biochemistry and Cell Biology Research Project and Seminar
Description: The course consists of: lectures on laboratory safety, biosafety, use of animals in research, scientific integrity; an independent research project (topic and advisor chosen by consultation between student and faculty); scientific communication.
Antirequisite(s): Anatomy and Cell Biology 480E, Biochemistry 483E, 485E, 491E, Microbiology and Immunology 483E, the former Biochemistry 484E, the former Microbiology and Immunology 484E.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 380G, 381a, 382b with grades in each of at least 70%. Enrolment is limited, and is available only to students in the final year of an Honors Specialization in Biochemistry and Cell Biology.
15 hours per week, 1.5 courses.
To be introduced September, 2005.
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Biochemistry 483E, Research Project and Seminar
Description: The major laboratory course for students in Honors Biochemistry. The course consists of: lectures on laboratory safety, biosafety, use of animals in research, scientific integrity; an independent research project (topic and advisor chosen by consultation between student and faculty); scientific communication (two seminars and a written report).
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 491E, Medical Sciences 400, 490a/b, Microbiology and Immunology 483E, the former Biochemistry 484E, the former Microbiology and Immunology 484E.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 380G, 381a, 382b, with marks in each of at least 70%. Enrolment is limited, and is available only to students in Year 4 of Honors Biochemistry or an Honors Specialization in Biochemistry.
15 hours per week, 1.5 course.
Enrolment limited.
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Biochemistry 485E, Clinical Biochemistry Research Project Seminar
Description: This is the major laboratory course intended for students in the Honors Specialization module in Clinical Biochemistry. The course consists of lectures on laboratory safety and scientific integrity; an independent research project (topic and advisor chosen by consultation between student and faculty); scientific communication (two seminars/written report).
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 483E, 491E, Microbiology and Immunology 483E, the former Biochemistry 484E, the former Microbiology and Immunology 484E.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 381a, 382b and 387a, with marks in each of at least 70%. Priority will be given to students in the Honors Specialization module in Clinical Biochemistry.
15 hours per week, 1.5 course.
Enrolment limited.
To be introduced September 1, 2006
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Biochemistry 491E, Research Project and Seminar
Description: The major laboratory course for students in Honors Biochemistry and Chemistry. The course consists of: lectures on laboratory safety, biosafety, use of animals in research, scientific integrity; an independent research project (topic and advisor chosen by consultation between student and faculty); scientific communication (two seminars and a written report).
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 483E, Chemistry 490E, Medical Sciences 400, 490a/b, Microbiology and Immunology 483E, the former Biochemistry 484E, the former Microbiology and Immunology 484E.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 380G, 381a, 382b, with marks in each of at least 70%. Enrolment is limited, and is available only to students in Year 4 of Honors Biochemistry and Chemistry or an Honors Specialization in Biochemistry and Chemistry.
12 hours per week, 1.0 course.
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Academic Calendar 2005 (new)» UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION» Biochemistry