Biochemistry Courses ; Bioinformatics & Computational Biology CoursesKey to Course Descriptions. For Distribution Requirement purposes, all BCH courses are classified as SCIENCE courses (see page 26). NOTE*** |
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Bioinformatics & Computational Biology CoursesKey to Course Descriptions. For Distribution Requirement purposes, all BCB courses are classified as SCIENCE courses (see page 26). For details on BCB courses, see www.biochemistry.utoronto.ca/bcb BCB410H1 Applied Bioinformatics [24L, 13P] Practical introduction to concepts, standards and tools for the implementation
of strategies in bioinformatics and computational biology. BCB420H1 Computational Systems Biology [24L] BCB430Y1 Special Project in Bioinformatics and Computational
Biology [TBA]
BCH210H1 Proteins, enzymes, membranes and the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. This course is intended for students who are NOT taking BCH242Y1 as part of their program. BCH242Y1 An introductory course that will serve as the foundation for BCH courses taken in Third and Fourth years by students specializing in biochemistry and related specialist programs. The major topics include protein structure, enzyme mechanisms, carbohydrates, metabolism and bioenenergetics, lipids, membranes, cellular and molecular biology. Please note that there are four laboratories in this course. BCH299Y1 Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details here. BCH311H1 Nucleic acids and flow of information in biological systems. Information storage and transmission by nucleic acids, as well as new molecular technologies will be discussed. Registration in one of the tutorial sessions is mandatory. BCH335H1 Structure of DNA and RNA. Catalytic RNAs (ribozymes). Aspects of DNA topology and chromatin structure. Restriction/modification and fundamentals of recombinant DNA technology. BCH340H1 Proteins are the main functional units of the cell. In this course, a detailed overview of protein structure, stability, folding, and protein-ligand interactions will be given with strong emphasis on discussing the basic principles in the field. Biophysical methods as well as theoretical approaches to studying protein stability and folding will be presented. Finally, proteomics approaches to map protein-protein interactions will be discussed. Priority will be given to students in the specialist programs listed in the Arts & Science Registration Handbook & Timetable. BCH370H1 This course reinforces theoretical principles through experiments that encompass pH and buffers, spectrophotometry, chromatography, electrophoresis and enzyme kinetics. Intended for students who are not proceeding further in biochemistry. It is highly recommended that students take this course in their third year as space is limited and priority will go to third-year students. cGPA of 2.5 is required for non-Biochemistry Major and Specialists. This course will be offered in the FALL & WINTER terms. BCH371H1 An introduction to laboratory techniques of modern biochemistry. Experiments illustrate and develop the concepts described in lecture courses, and prepare the student for advanced training in biochemical laboratory techniques. (Enrolment limited) BCH372Y1 This course provides increased “real-world” research opportunities to undergraduates who have completed second year. Students can take advantage of the resources and expertise of the over 50 faculty researchers within the department. It will give students an appreciation of the scientific method that comes from intensive experimentation and it will enhance students understanding of theoretical concepts learned in other courses through a better understanding of the experimental approaches upon which those theories are based. It also will provide an environment that involves one on one contact with faculty members. The experience gained in this introductory research project will enhance the student experience in intermediate and advanced level research project courses that our department offers. Students must have a minimum cGPA of 3.0. BCH373H1 This course is held in the fall term and will provide increased “real-world” research opportunities to our undergraduates. This course, which will take advantage of the resources and expertise of the over 50 faculty researchers within the department, will enhance our program in several ways. It will give students an appreciation of the scientific method that comes from intensive experimentation. It will also enhance students understanding of theoretical concepts learned in other courses through a better understanding of the experimental approaches upon which those theories are based. It will provide an environment that involves one on one contact with faculty members. In addition, the experience gained in this intermediate research project will enhance the student experience in the advanced level research project course that our department offers. BCH373H1 can be combined with BCH375H1. Students must have a minimum cGPA of 3.0. BCH375H1 This course provides an opportunity to perform specialized research in biochemistry under the direct supervision of Biochemistry Department faculty. (See BCH373H1). BCH422H1 Structural features of membrane proteins and methods of analysis. Function of membrane proteins as transporters, channels, pumps and receptors. Molecular aspects of disease processes linked to membrane proteins. BCH425H1 Theory and practice of modern biophysical techniques as applied in the study of structure and function of macromolecules; emphasis on protein X-ray crystallography, NMR, electron microscopy and other spectroscopic methods; discussion of selected examples. BCH426H1 A variety of questions relating to signal transduction are investigated. How is calcium regulated in the cell and how does calcium regulate cell function? How are extracellular signals received and transmitted by intracellular proteins to control cellular proliferation and differentiation? What signaling pathways are triggered by insulin? BCH427H1 This course provides a focused study of concepts in thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics through examples dealing with important current problems in molecular biophysics. Concepts in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics will be surveyed through applications to protein folding, while principles of JBI428H1 Molecular mechanisms involved in innate and adaptive immunity including the structure and function of immunoglobulins, the complement system, antigen processing and presentation and membrane signalling events. Emphasis is on experimental approaches and quantitative aspects. (Given jointly by the Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology) BCH440H1 Mechanisms of translation initiation and translational control, ribosome assembly and structure. Protein folding and molecular chaperones. Protein targeting and transport. Regulation of protein degradation. BCH441H1 This course covers computational methods and internet resources in modern biochemistry and molecular biology. The main topics include: sequence and genome databases, sequence alignment and homology search, use and interpretation of molecular structure, and phylogenetic analysis. Assignments focus on competence building with essential, web-based bioinformatics tools. Tutorials are optional and will be offered based on needs. BCH444H1 This course examines the molecular details of the secretory and endocytic pathways in the cell. Some of the specific topics covered will include protein translocation into the ER, chaperones and protein folding in the ER, retrotranslocation and protein degradation, the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), vesicle biogenesis and ER-Golgi transport, regulated secretion, basic concepts in endocytosis and protein sorting in polarized cells. BCH445H1 Advanced principles and concepts of cell biology are covered including the structure, biogenesis, and dynamic behaviour of cell organelles. The specific contributions to the life and death of the cell are highlighted. The roles of sub-nuclear structure in DNA replication and of vesicular transport and autophagy are emphasized The interplay between Peroxisomes and Mitochondria is highlighted. Mitochondrial biogenesis and membrane dynamics as they relate to apoptosis and cellular signaling/integration is presented as it relates to human disease. The modern and state-of-the-art imaging techniques and the contributions of cell biology BCH446H1 Principles and concepts of cell biology are covered including the structure, molecular organization and dynamic interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix during cell migration & cell adhesion. The role of cytoskeletal components and cell surface receptors in these processes and in membrane traffic will be addressed. BCH471Y1 Experiments demonstrating modern concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology. (Enrolment limited) BCH472Y1 This course provides an opportunity for students who have completed third year to perform specialized research in biochemistry under the direct supervision of Biochemistry Department faculty. (See BCH373H1). BCH473Y1 Research in a particular area of biochemistry, by arrangement with the Department and the instructor concerned. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. BCH479H1 This seminar course will foster close interactions between students and Faculty and encourage in depth discussion not only of results but the ways the results were presented and the rationales for experimental design. Critical thinking skills will be developed, as will presentation skills, as students become presenters of results and take on the role of scientist presenting and analyzing new findings. Writing skills will be developed through an essay assignment. Students within the audience will also have access to the experimental papers and be encouraged to pose thoughtful questions about research and the ways that research can be communicated within the scientific community. Thus the new seminar course will foster an appreciation of scientific writing and give students a venue to develop their communication skills. The goal of the seminar course is to improve both the written and oral scientific communication skills of our Specialist students, as well as to increase their knowledge of key papers in Biochemistry. |
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