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Academic Calendar 2012 UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION Biochemistry (M)
INTRODUCTION
UNDERGRADUATE SESSIONAL DATES
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ACADEMIC INFORMATION
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
FACULTIES
UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION
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GLOSSARY
NEW MODULES/PROGRAMS
FIRST YEAR UPDATES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Biochemistry (M)

Note:  In order to find a course in the new 4 digit numbering system using an old 3 digit number, please refer to the conversion list below. Before registering for courses with the new 4 digit numbering system, please ensure that you have not previously taken the course in its 3 digit form.

Click here for conversion list of former 3-digit course numbers.

 
2280A2288A3380G3381A3382B3385A3386B3387G
3390A4400G4410A4420A4430B4435B4445F4450A
4460Y4463G4465A4483E4485E4999E
Biochemistry 2280A - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
An introduction to biochemistry with emphasis on protein structure and function, intermediary metabolism and nucleic acid structure and function.
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 2288A.
Prerequisite(s): Either Biology 1001A or 1201A and either Biology 1002B or 1202B, or one of the former Biology 1222 or 1223; Chemistry 1100A/B and 1200B, or one of the former Chemistry 1020, 1050 or 023; or registration in senior years of Foods and Nutrition modules.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Note: It is strongly recommended that a course in organic chemistry be taken previously or concurrently (e.g. Chemistry 2213A/B or 2273A).
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Biochemistry 2288A - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for Foods and Nutrition
An introduction to biochemistry with emphasis on protein structure and function, intermediary metabolism and nucleic acid structure and function.
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 1100A/B and 1200B, or one of the former Chemistry 1020, 1050 or 023;  Biology 1290B; and registration in senior years of Foods and Nutrition modules.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Note: It is strongly recommended that a course in organic chemistry be taken previously or concurrently (e.g. Chemistry 2213A/B or 2273A).
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Biochemistry 3380G - Biochemistry Laboratory
This course consists of a series of laboratory exercises designed to familiarize the student with the basic methods in biochemistry and molecular biology, and to demonstrate concepts taught in biochemistry lecture courses. Students will learn how to present their results in an acceptable scientific format.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s): Biochemistry 3382B.
Extra Information: 3 laboratory hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
Enrollment limited: priority will be given to students who have achieved a mark of at least 70% in Biochemistry 2280A and are registered in modules offered by the Department of Biochemistry, other Basic Medical Science departments, or the Department of Biology.
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Biochemistry 3381A - Biological Macromolecules
A consideration of the structure of proteins and nucleic acids; enzymology; elements of recombinant DNA technology and related methodology.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A with a mark of at least 65%; either Chemistry 2213A/B with a minimum mark of 65% or Chemistry 2273A with a minimum mark of 60%; either Chemistry 2223B with a minimum mark of 65% or Chemistry 2283G with a minimum mark of 60%.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 3382B - Biochemical Regulation
Among the topics discussed will be principles of metabolic control, mechanisms of signal transduction, regulation of DNA replication, regulation of gene expression, and epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 3385A - Human Biochemistry
A course dealing with Biochemical aspects of the human condition. Topics in human disease, medical testing, and lifestyle will be considered in a clinical-case-oriented fashion. The emphasis will be on structural and metabolic issues related to carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, nucleic acids and proteins.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A with a mark of at least 75%.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 3386B - Clinical Biochemistry
The application of biochemical and molecular principles to the analytical components used to select, evaluate and interpret tests for clinical diseases. Also included will be discussions on the specialized instruments required. Students will gain understanding of the practice of clinical biochemistry, as one of the disciplines of laboratory medicine.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A with a mark of at least 70%.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Enrollment limited.  
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Biochemistry 3387G - Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory
This course is designed to introduce students to the methods and technologies relevant to the use of biochemistry in the diagnosis of human disease. The course will consist of laboratory exercises designed to gain experience in laboratory techniques, tutorials and rotations through selected clinical labs, and lab exercises in molecular diagnostics.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A with a mark of at least 70%; either Chemistry 2213A/B with a minimum mark of 65% or Chemistry 2273A with a minimum mark of 60%; either Chemistry 2223B with a minimum mark of 65% or Chemistry 2283G with a minimum mark of 60%.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 3 laboratory hours per week, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
Enrollment limited: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Honors Specialization in Clinical Biochemistry with highest academic standing in the prerequisite courses.
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Biochemistry 3390A - Advanced Methods for Biochemistry
Students will explore the chemical and physical underpinnings of biochemical phenomena by solving practical, real-world, quantitative problems. Students will learn how to answer biochemical research questions by applying advanced experimental strategies and techniques, including methods in bioinformatics and the mining of biochemical databases.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A with a mark of at least 65%; either Chemistry 2213A/B with a minimum mark of 65% or Chemistry 2273A with a minimum mark of 60%; either Chemistry 2223B with a minimum mark of 65% or Chemistry 2283G with a minimum mark of 60%.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 4400G - Membrane Biochemistry
An advanced treatment of structure, transport, energetics, and biogenesis of membranes.
Antirequisite(s): The former Biochemistry 4400F.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 4410A - Molecular Biology of DNA and RNA
The use of fundamental techniques in molecular biology and molecular genetics are illustrated using examples from the classic and current literature. Selected topics include eukaryotic gene cloning, transgenic animals, rational drug design, DNA replication and cell cycle regulation.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and 3382B.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 4420A - Molecular Biology of Proteins
Topics to be considered at an advanced level will include: translation, folding and assembly, targeting, turnover, structure and motifs.
Antirequisite(s): The former Biochemistry 4420B.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 4430B - Molecular Biology of Signal Transduction
A discussion of the molecular mechanisms involved in the responses of cells to extracellular stimuli (i.e., growth factors). The molecular mechanisms involved in responses of cells to the nucleus, changes in gene expression, and subsequent changes in cellular events; both in normal conditions and in disease.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382B.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 4435B - Field Guide to the Human Genome
Students will learn to use internet-based resources to explore human genomic sequences and associated data. Topics covered include: genome organization; genetic variation and genetic diseases; identifying regulatory DNA elements; and identifying protein interaction networks using microarrays and proteomics databases. Skills acquired will be applicable to many biomedical science disciplines.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and Biology 2581B.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: Recommended: Biochemistry 3382B.
2 lecture/demonstration hours; 2 laboratory hours every other week, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 4445F - Macromolecular Informatics
This project-oriented course teaches students computational biology skills that address common problems in biochemistry. Students will learn to use and search biological databases, the fundamentals of pairwise and multiple sequence alignment, database searching, task automations, structure alignment, and data analysis. Projects are designed to address particular biological questions.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
Enrollment limited.
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Biochemistry 4450A - Molecular Genetics of Human Cancer
Key cellular pathways that are frequently subverted in tumour cells leading to neoplasia will be discussed, as well as mechanisms by which environmental factors affect tumour development. Cancer models and molecular therapies will also be considered.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biology 2581B, Biochemistry 3381A.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 4460Y - Bioinformatics Research Project
The major research project course for students in Honors Bioinformatics. The course consists of: an independent research project (topic and supervisor chosen by consultation between student and faculty); lectures on scientific integrity; scientific communication (two seminars and a written report).
Antirequisite(s): Computer Science 4460Z, Biochemistry 4483E, 4491E.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in year 4 of an Honors Specialization in Bioinformatics (Biochemistry concentration).
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 10 hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 4463G - Biochemistry of Genetic Diseases
In this course, knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry is applied to the understanding of human genetic diseases. Topics of current interest are used as examples to study the transition from mutations to clinical disorders. Societal and ethical issues are discussed.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 4465A - Instrumentation for Proteomics and Related Analyses
The principles and applications of modern analytical techniques used in proteomics and related biochemical analyses will be introduced. These techniques include chromatography, electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance and surface imaging microscopy.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Biochemistry 4483E - Research Project and Seminar
The major laboratory course for the Honors Specialization in Biochemistry and Honors Specialization modules combined with Biochemistry. Lectures on laboratory safety, biosafety, use of animals in research, scientific integrity; an independent research project (topic and advisor chosen by consultation between student and faculty); scientific communication (two seminars and a written report).
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 4485E, Chemical Biology 4500E, Microbiology and Immunology 4970E, Medical Sciences 4900F/G, the former Biochemistry 4800E and 4491E, the former Medical Sciences 4400E.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3380G, 3381A and 3382B, with marks in each of at least 70%. Enrollment is limited, and is available only to students in Year 4 of Honors Specialization modules in Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry, and Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity. Students in the Honors Specialization in Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity may substitute Microbiology and Immunology 3600G with a minimum mark of 70% for Biochemistry 3380G as a prerequisite.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 15 hours per week, 1.5 course.
Enrollment in this course is limited.
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Biochemistry 4485E - Clinical Biochemistry Research Project Seminar
The major laboratory course for students in the Honors Specialization in Clinical Biochemistry. The course consists of lectures on laboratory safety and scientific integrity; an independent research project (topic and advisor chosen by consultation between student and faculty); scientific communication (two seminars/written report).
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 4483E, Chemical Biology 4500E, Microbiology and Immunology 4970E, the former Biochemistry 4491E.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A, 3382B and 3387G, with marks in each of at least 70%. Priority will be given to students in the Honors Specialization in Clinical Biochemistry.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 15 hours per week, 1.5 course.
Enrollment limited.
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Biochemistry 4999E - Advanced Research in Biochemistry
This laboratory course is intended for students interested in pursuing graduate-level research. Lectures on literature searches, data mining, and effective communication; an independent research project (topic and advisor chosen by consultation between student and faculty); scientific communication (introduction to topic, mid-year report, seminar).
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 4483E or 4485E, and permission of the department.
Corequisite(s):
Pre-or Corequisite(s):
Extra Information: 12 laboratory hours per week and participation in the Biochemistry Graduate Seminar, 1.0 course.
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Academic Calendar 2012 UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION Biochemistry (M)
Decision Academic