Catalogue 2025-2026 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Biochemistry Program
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Director: David Esteban;
The interdepartmental program in biochemistry provides in-depth studies in biochemistry and molecular biology built upon a solid foundation in biology and chemistry. Experimental approaches to problems are emphasized throughout the program, with course laboratories, with the Senior Laboratory in Macromolecular Function (BIOC 377 ), and with ample opportunities for students to engage in independent research.
Major Advisers:
Chemistry: Zachary Donhauser, Eric Eberhardt, Jennifer Herrera, Sarjit Kaur, Krystle McLaughlin, Rebecca Pollet, Christopher Smart, Joseph Tanski;
Biology: Hayley Affrontia, Colin Echeverría Aitken, David Esteban, Jennifer Kennell, Nancy Jo Pokrywka, Jodi Schwarz.
a On leave 2025/26, first semester
Major
Biochemistry
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BIOC 272 - Biochemistry Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0 to 1 unit(s)
Basic course covering protein structure and synthesis, enzyme action, bio-energetic principles, electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, selected metabolic pathways in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Taught by faculty in the Chemistry and Biology departments. Hayley Affronti, Colin Echeverria Aitken, Rebecca Pollet.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 244 and BIOL 108 .
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS -
BIOC 290 - Community-Engaged Learning Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Course Format: INT -
BIOC 295 - Protein Crystallography Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as CHEM 295 ) Protein function is closely tied to its three-dimensional structure, often obtained from the experimental technique x-ray crystallography. Students conduct extensive laboratory work in protein crystallography and related biochemical methods to characterize a protein as part of an original research project. Krystle McLaughlin.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 244 and BIOL 108 .
One 75-minute period and one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS -
BIOC 298 - Independent Research Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
The intensive experience can include an individual project, multiple students working on different aspect of the same project, group work on a single laboratory project, or an individual library project. The Department.
Course Format: INT -
BIOC 300 - Senior Thesis Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1 unit(s)
The senior thesis involves the design and execution of a substantial independent original research project under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Students are expected to complete research work throughout their senior year (both Fall and Spring semesters are required). The project follows a set of defined deadlines for completion of the work. The project culminates in a substantial manuscript-style thesis submitted to the research mentor and a second reader from the Faculty, and an oral presentation. The Department.
Offered in the fall only for students graduating in December.
Course Format: INT -
BIOC 326 - Biophysical Chemistry Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
Concepts of thermodynamics and equilibrium phenomena, chemical kinetics, spectroscopy, and structure determination as pertains to biological systems are discussed. Krystle McLaughlin.
Prerequisite(s): BIOC 272 /CHEM 272 . It is strongly recommended that students have a foundational understanding of introductory physics and single variable calculus.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS -
BIOC 356 - Biochemistry Senior Seminar Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
An intensive study of selected topics at the molecular, subcellular, and cellular level. Specific topics will vary. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and research with course material being drawn from the recent biochemical literature. Work in the course culminates in a significant summative presentation.
Topic for 2025/26a: The Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics of Translation: This course explores our current mechanistic understanding of mRNA translation by the ribosome as illuminated by recent and ongoing research leveraging biochemical, biophysical, and whole-genome approaches. Students read cutting-edge primary literature articles and lead or participate in journal club discussion of these. In parallel, students identify novel questions within the translation field and craft and present a research proposal to address these questions. Throughout the semester, we focus on developing each student’s ability to approach, interpret, criticize, and communicate advanced scientific topics, with an emphasis on confronting and working through confusion and difficulty. Colin Echeverria Aitken.
Students can take only one of BIOC 356 or BIOL /CHEM 324 .
Two 2-hour periods.
Topic for 2025/26a: Carbohydrates and Glycobiology. Beginning from the basic biochemistry of carbohydrates, the field of glycobiology has grown into an important segment of molecular biology with applications in many areas of basic research, medicine, and biotechnology. This course follows the trajectory of this field, beginning with simple sugars and carbohydrate chemistry and then exploring the structure-function relationships of complex glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycan-modified RNA. As we use the primary scientific literature to understand the newest discoveries and experimental approaches in the field, we also discuss the societal implications of this work especially in relation to drug development and clean energy production. Throughout the semester you develop your ability to engage with scientific literature and communicate advanced scientific topics through both written work and oral presentations. Rebecca Pollet.
Topic for 2025/26b: Structural Basis of CRISPR Gene Editing: Analysis of protein structure and underlying structure-function relationships are critical for the understanding of any biochemical pathway, as function is intimately tied to a protein’s three-dimensional structure. Through the study of enzymes from the CRISPR gene-editing system, we examine three major protein structure determination methods: x-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and cryo-electron microscopy. We use the primary scientific literature to understand the biochemical and molecular basis of CRISPR based gene editing. We also explore other ways to evaluate protein structure-function relationships, and discuss the societal impact of gene-editing with CRISPR. Development of effective science communication skills through critical analysis of the primary literature, written work, and oral presentations is a major goal of this discussion-based course. Krystle McLaughlin.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS -
BIOC 377 - Senior Capstone Project Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
The intensive experience can include an individual project, multiple students working on different aspect of the same project, group work on a single laboratory project, or an individual library thesis under the supervision of a member of the Faculty. The Biology and Chemistry Departments.
Course Format: INT -
BIOC 393 - Special Topics in Biochemistry
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
A variety of current and timely topics in biochemistry is considered in these intensive mentored experiences. Each of these involve close mentored work in small groups of students around a key topic in biochemistry. Topics, formats, and instructors vary each semester.
One 4-hour period.
Not offered in 2025/26.
Course Format: INT -
BIOC 399 - Senior Independent Research Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Students perform independent biochemical research under the direction of a faculty member for Intensive credit. Attendance at regularly scheduled department seminars/events is required to satisfactorily complete the course. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Open only to seniors.
Course Format: INT
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