CHEM 324 - The Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics of Translation

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as BIOL 324) 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.

Prerequisite(s): One unit of any 200-level Biology or Neuroscience course and BIOL/CHEM 272 Biochemistry. In some instances, BIOL 238 Molecular Genetics can satisfy the requirement for BIOL/CHEM 272 Biochemistry, but only upon consultation with the instructor.

Students can take only one of BIOL 324 or BIOC 356.

Two 2-hour periods.

Course Format: CLS