Biochemistry Courses

Key to Course Descriptions.

| Course Winter Timetable |



Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Courses

For details on BCB courses, see www.biochemistry.utoronto.ca/bcb

For more information please contact the BCB Program Coordinator: Boris Steipe (boris.steipe@utoronto.ca).

BCB410H1
Applied Bioinformatics [24L, 13P]

Practical introduction to concepts, standards and tools for the implementation of strategies in bioinformatics and computational biology.
Prerequisite: CSC263H1, CSC373H1, MGY311Y1/ (BIO260H1, BIO349H1) or special permission
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCB420H1
Computational Systems Biology [24L]

Current approaches to using the computer for analyzing and modeling biology as integrated molecular systems. The course complements an introductory Bioinformatics course such as BCH441H1. (Enrolment limited).
Prerequisite: MGY311Y1/(BIO260H1, BIO349H1), BCH441H1/CSB472H1 or special permission,
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCB430Y1
Special Project in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology [TBA]

An opportunity for specialized individual research in bioinformatics and computational biology by arrangement with the course coordinator and a supervisor.
Prerequisite: GPA 3.0 and written acceptance by coordinator and supervisor.
Co-requisite: BCB410H1, BCB420H1
Exclusion: Any other 4th year special project course taken at the same time.
DR=SCI; BR=TBA



Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Courses

First Year Seminars

The 199Y1 and 199H1 seminars are designed to provide the opportunity to work closely with an instructor in a class of no more than twenty-four students. These interactive seminars are intended to stimulate the students’ curiosity and provide an opportunity to get to know a member of the professorial staff in a seminar environment during the first year of study. Details here.


NOTE***Students that do not meet the Subject Post requirements for PE/AE courses must email Brenda Bradshaw for permission to take the course.

BCH210H1
Biochemistry I: Proteins, Lipids and Metabolism [36L, 24T]

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.
Exclusion: BCH242Y1/310H1/320Y1/321Y1/CHM265H5(UTM)/ 361H5(UTM)/362H5(UTM)/ (UTSC) BGYC12H3 and BGYC13H3
Prerequisite: (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1
NOTE: CHM1** WITH COURSE EXCLUSION TO CHM138H1 AND CHM139H1 meet the Prerequisite requirement for BCH210H1. SCI1** DOES NOT COUNT AS A Prerequisite. CHM140Y1 (UTM) is equivalent to CMH139H1 ONLY. CHMA10H/A11H (UTSC) are equivalent to CHM139. CHMB41H/B42 (UTSC) are equivalent to CHM138. Students that have an SDF in CHM138/139 are not permitted to take BCH210H1 until a final passing mark appears on the transcript.
DR=SCI; BR=5


BCH242Y1
Introduction to Biochemistry        [64L, 12P, 12T]

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.
Exclusion: BCH210H1/310H1/320Y1/321Y1/CHM265H5(UTM)/ 361H5(UTM)/362H5(UTM)/ (UTSC) BGYC12H3 and BGYC13H3
Prerequisite: (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1
DR=SCI; BR=4+5


BCH299Y1
Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details here.
DR=SCI


BCH311H1
       Biochemistry II: Nucleic Acids and Biological Information Flow [24L, 24T]

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. Note: Students that have a SDF in BCH210H1 are not permitted to take BCH311H1 until a final passing mark appears on the transcript.
Exclusion: BIO349H1/CSB349H1, MGY311Y1, PSL350H1
Prerequisite: BCH210H1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH335H1
Nucleic Acids and Recombinant DNA Technology [24L, 6T]

Structure of DNA and RNA. Catalytic RNAs (ribozymes). Aspects of DNA topology and chromatin structure. Restriction/modification and fundamentals of recombinant DNA technology.
Exclusion: BCH430H1
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/BCH242Y1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH340H1
Proteins: from Structure to Proteomics         [24L, 6T]

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.
Exclusion: BCH421H1
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/BCH242Y1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH370H1
Laboratory Course in Biochemical Techniques        [12L 36P]

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 Majors and Specialists. This course will be offered in the FALL & WINTER terms. No enrolment will be permitted five days after the start of class. (Enrolment limited)
Exclusion: BCH371H1, CHM379H1
Prerequisite: BCH210H1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH371H1
A Laboratory Course in Biochemistry [72P]

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)
Exclusion: BCH370H1, CHM379H1
Prerequisite: BCH242Y1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH372Y1
Summer Research in Biochemistry [144P]

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.
Prerequisite: BCH242Y1, and permission of Department
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH373H1
Research Project in Biochemistry [72P]

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 BCH473, that our department offers. BCH373H1 can be combined with BCH375H1. Students must have a minimum cGPA of 3.0.
Prerequisite: BCH242Y1, and permission of Department
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH375H1
Research Project in Biochemistry        [72P]

This course provides an opportunity to perform specialized research in biochemistry under the direct supervision of Biochemistry Department faculty. (See BCH373H1).
Students must have a minimum cGPA of 3.0.
Prerequisite: BCH242Y1, and permission of Department
DR=SCI; BR=TBA

Note
Students who have completed University of Toronto at Mississauga’s CHM361H5 AND362H5 may enroll in 400-series lecture courses if they obtain permission of the Department


BCH422H1
Membrane Proteins: Structure, and Function [24L]

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.
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/BCH242Y1, BCH311H1/ MGY311Y1/CSB349H1 (BIO349H1)/PSL350H1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH425H1
Structural Biology: Principles and Practice [24L]

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.
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/BCH242Y1. This is a problem-solving course and will require use of skills from introductory physics, math, and/or chemistry courses.
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH426H1
Regulation of Signalling Pathways [24L]

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?
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/BCH242Y1, BCH311H1/MGY311Y1/CSB349H1 (BIO349H1)/PSL350H1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH427H1
Advanced Molecular Biophysics        [24L]

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 quantum mechanics will be emphasized through a study of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Prerequisite: CHM326H1/PHY355H1, CHM328H1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH440H1
Protein Biosynthesis [24L]

Mechanisms of translation initiation and translational control, ribosome assembly and structure. Protein folding and molecular chaperones. Protein targeting and transport. Regulation of protein degradation.
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/BCH242Y1, BCH311H1/MGY311Y1/CSB349H1 (BIO349H1)/PSL350H1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH441H1
Bioinformatics [24L, 12T]

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. For curriculum details see: www.biochemistry.utoronto.ca/undergraduates/courses/BCH441H1/wiki/
Exclusion: CSB472H1, BIO472H1
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/BCH242Y1, BCH311H1/ MGY311Y1/(CSB349H1/BIO349H1)/PSL350H1 or special permission
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH444H1
Protein Trafficking in the Secretory & Endocytic Pathways [24L]

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.
Prerequisite: BCH242Y1/BCH210H1, BCH311H1/ MGY311Y1/PSL350H1/CSB349H1 (BIO349H1)
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH445H1
Organelles in Cell Function and Death [24L]

Advanced principles and concepts of cell biology are covered including the structure, biogenesis, and dynamic behavior of cell organelles. The specific contributions to the life and death of the cell are highlighted. Signaling events that integrate cellular communication are discussed. Specifically, the interplay between the Endoplasmic Reticulum, Peroxisomes and Mitochondria is highlighted. Mitochondrial biogenesis and membrane dynamics as they relate to apoptosis and cellular signaling/integration are presented as they relate to human disease. State-of-the-art imaging techniques and the contributions of cell biology to modern day advances in medicine are also presented.
Exclusion: ANA304Y1, BCH305H1
Prerequisite: BIO250Y1/(BIO240H1, BIO241H1), BCH210H1/BCH242Y1, BCH311H1/ MGY311/CSB349H1 (BIO349)/PSL350
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH446H1
Membrane Dynamics of the Cell Surface [24L]

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 and cell adhesion. The role of cytoskeletal components and cell surface receptors in these processes and in membrane traffic will be addressed. Signaling pathways initiated by cell-cell interactions during normal and pathological development will be discussed.
Prerequisite: BIO240H1/BIO250Y1, BCH210H1/BCH242Y1, BCH311H1/MGY311Y1/CSB349 (BIO349H1)/PSL350H1 and permission of department
Exclusion: ANA304Y1, BCH304H1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH447H1
Molecular Evolution        [24L]

This course will examine the fundamental concepts of evolution with an emphasis on molecular evolution. We will discuss selected controversial topics such as molecular clocks, alternative splicing, junk DNA, random genetic drift vs. natural selection, the Three Domain Hypothesis and whether humans are evolving. We will examine various evolutionary hypotheses that scientists are proposing as alternatives to the Modern Synthesis.
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/BCH242Y1, BCH311H1/MGY311Y1/CSB349 (BIO349H1)/PSL350H1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH471Y1
Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory [161P]

Experiments demonstrating modern concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology. (Enrolment limited)
Prerequisite: (BCH335H1 + BCH340H1 + BCH371H1)/(CHM361H5 [UTM] + 362H5 [UTM] + 371H5 [UTM]) + MGY311Y1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH472Y1
Advanced Summer Research Project in Biochemistry [144P]

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).
Note: Students must have a minimum cGPA of 3.0.
Prerequisite: BCH335H1, BCH340H1, BCH371H1, and permission of Department
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH473Y1
Advanced Research Project in Biochemistry [144P]

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.
Prerequisite: BCH335H1 + BCH340H1 + BCH371H1, and permission of Department
Co-requisite: BCH471Y1
DR=SCI; BR=TBA


BCH479H1
Advanced Seminar in Biochemistry        [24S]

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.
Prerequisite: BCH335H1 + BCH340H1 + BCH371H1, and permission of Department
DR=SCI; BR=TBA