Instructors 2018/2019: Dr. Karun Singh & Dr. Kristin Hope  

Fundamental concepts and experimental methods in studying both DNA and RNA. Nature of genetic information and its storage. Molecular basis of replication, transcription and translation. Students will be required to participate in a seminar outside of regular class hours.

Three lectures; first term

Course Outline 2015/2016

Instructor 2019/2020: Dr. Daniel Yang

Fundamental concepts and experimental methods in studying structures of proteins, including membrane proteins. Nature of enzyme catalysis. Introduction to enzyme kinetics and mechanism.

Three lectures, one tutorial; second term

Course Outline 2019/2020

Instructor 2018/2019: Dr. Felicia Vulcu & Dr. Michelle MacDonald

A brief introduction to proteins, enzymes and gene expression followed by a more detailed treatment of energy and intermediary metabolism with emphasis on physiological chemistry.

On-line, web modules; second term

Course Outline 2018/2019

Instructor 2019/2020: Dr. Felicia Vulcu

An inquiry approach to learning about current techniques in biochemistry research. Students will work in small groups in labs and workshops, with a focus on how to search the primary literature, prepare and deliver written and oral presentations.

Two lectures (one hour), one lab or workshop (three hours); two terms

Course Outline 2019/2020

Instructor 2019/2020: Dr. Michelle MacDonald

One two-hour seminar; one term

Course Outline 2018/2019

Instructor 2019/2020: Dr. Michelle MacDonald & Dr. Deborah Sloboda

One two-hour lecture, one one-hour tutorial; one term

Course Outline Winter 2020

Instructor 2019/2020: Dr. Felicia Vulcu

Course Permission Form

A twelve week research project undertaken in a biochemistry laboratory during the fall, winter or summer term which requires the submission of a formal report. Students are responsible to arrange a suitable project, location and agreement of the supervisor. Refer to https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/biochem/education/undergraduate/forms-and-procedures for information about applying for a position.

Course Outline 2019/2020

Instructor 2019/2020: Dr. Andrew McArthur

Introduction to bioinformatics theory, tools, and practice with an emphasis upon high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies. Areas of emphasis include gene sequence analysis, functional prediction, genome assembly and annotation, gene expression analysis, gene regulation analysis, genome databases, and microbial genomics. Includes introduction to the command line, software development, and cloud computing.

Two lectures, one tutorial; first term

Course Outline 2019/2020

Instructor 2018/2019: Dr. Michelle MacDonald

Principles of bioenergetics. Major pathways for carbohydrates and lipids in energy production. Photosynthesis. Nitrogen metabolism. Biosynthesis of small biomolecules. Integration and regulation of metabolic activities.

Three lectures; first term

Course Outline 2018/2019

Instructor 2018/2019: Dr. Ray Truant

A critical study of the literature from recent primary manuscripts on gene regulation and inter-related regulatory pathways. Emphasis is on the molecular and cellular biology of multiple pathways that interact to affect phenomena in biology and disease.

Three lectures; second term

Course Outline 2018/2019

Instructor 2019/2020: Dr. Daniel Yang & Dr. Russell Bishop

Chemical and conformational properties of proteins and relationships to their function including regulation of enzyme activity. Chemical and physical structure of DNA and RNA relevant to biological function.

Three lectures; first term

Course Outline 2019/2020

Instructors 2018/2019: Dr. Stephen Hill & Dr. Joseph Macri

An outline of clinical chemistry; its relation to disease and relevance to health care.

Three lectures; second term

Course Outline 2018/2019

Instructor 2019/2020: Dr. John Whitney

This course examines how interactions with bacteria influence all cellular life on earth. Topics include conflict and collaboration between bacteria, host-pathogen and host-symbiont interactions, and biological innovations arising from battles between bacteria and bacteriophages.

Two lectures, one tutorial; first term

Course Outline 2019/2020

Instructor 2019/2020: Dr. Felicia Vulc

A project supervised by a member or associate member of the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences. Assessment is based on laboratory work, a poster presentation and a final report. Refer to https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/biochem/education/undergraduate/forms-and-procedures for information about applying for a position.

Course Outline 2019/2020

Instructor 2018/2019: Dr. Daniel Yang & Dr. Sara Andres

Introduction to methods used in the determination of protein and macromolecular structures, which include x-ray crystallography, electron microscopy and small-angle x-ray scattering. Interpretation of protein structure data with practical emphasis on solving structures by x-ray crystallography.

One lecture, three hours; second term

Course Outline 2018/2019