BCMB 4010 (4 hr) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I is the first half of a
two-semester sequence (BCMB 4010-4020) intended for biochemistry majors,
preprofessional students, and others interested in an intensive introduction to
biochemistry and molecular biology.  This is a primarily lecture-based course
designed to provide students with a coherent, integrated introduction to the
principles, methods, and results of current biochemical and molecular biology
research.  The student will be expected to acquire a basic understanding of the
following subject areas:  1) basic chemistry of life, including the structure and
properties of liquid water and acid/base equilibria, 2) thermodynamics of biological
systems, 3) structure and function of the major classes of biological macromolecules,
4) membranes, membrane transport, and bioenergetics, and 6) enzyme kinetics and
regulation.  BCMB 4010 is a prerequisite for BCMB 4020.  Students who successfully
complete the two-semester sequence should be able to comprehend primary literature in
biochemistry and molecular biology and should also be equipped to take more advanced
courses in or requiring these disciplines.  
	
Student performance will be assessed by written examinations (four during the course
of the semester plus a cumulative final) plus an individual term project.  The
examinations will be in-class, closed-book exams and will include a variety of
question formats (multiple choice, problems, short essay, etc.).  The term project,
the subject of which is chosen by the student, will consist of a primary-literature
driven report on a protein or protein/nucleic acid complex for which a
three-dimensional structure is available, accompanied by molecular graphics
animations.  The latter exercise exposes students to the primary literature in
biochemistry and molecular biology and requires mastery of both molecular graphics
software and appropriate presentation software.
  
Student evaluations will be obtained at the end of the semester in accordance with
university and department policy.

Topics will include the chemistry of life, thermodynamics of biological systems,
macromolecular structure and function, membrane transport and bioenergetics, and
enzyme kinetics and regulation.  An outline of the syllabus is as follows:

1.  The Chemistry of Life
    Organic chemistry of biological molecules
    Weak chemical forces
    Water as a solvent
    Acid/base equilibria and pH
2.  Thermodynamics of Biological Systems
    Thermodynamics principles
    Heat, work, energy, enthalpy, and entropy
    Chemical equilibria
    High-energy compounds and coupled reactions
3.  Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules
    Amino acids, polypeptides, and proteins
    Carbohydrates, polysaccharides, and cell surfaces
    Lipids and biological membranes
    Nucleotides nucleic acids, and gene expression
4.  Membrane Transport and Bioenergetics
    Membrane organization
    Passive and facilitated diffusion
    Channels and pores
    Primary and secondary active transport
5.  Enzyme Kinetics and Regulation
    Chemical kinetics and catalysis
    Enzyme kinetics and specificity
    Cooperativity and allostery
    Enzyme mechanisms