Academic Calendar - 2024
Western University Academic Calendar. - 2024
Biochemistry
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 Biology 1201A and either Biology 1002B or Biology 1202B; Chemistry 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B. Integrated Science 1001X can be used as a prerequisite in place of Biology 1002B and Chemistry 1302A/B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours. Note: It is strongly recommended that a course in organic chemistry be taken previously or concurrently (e.g. Chemistry 2213A/B or Chemistry 2273A).
Course Weight: 0.50
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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 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B; Biology 1290B; and registration in senior years of Foods and Nutrition modules.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours. Note: It is strongly recommended that a course in organic chemistry be taken previously or concurrently (e.g. Chemistry 2213A/B or Chemistry 2273A).
Course Weight: 0.50
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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.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A.
Extra Information: 3 laboratory hours, 1 lecture hour.
Course Weight: 0.50
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Students gain a deeper understanding of protein structure and folding, enzyme-mediated chemical reactions, protein regulation of networks, and methods for protein structure prediction and analysis. Students develop their ability to use computational tools to represent and analyze proteins, interpret data from primary research papers, and communicate ideas to professional audiences.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum mark of 65% in either Biochemistry 2280A or Biochemistry 2288A; a minimum mark of 60% in either Chemistry 2213A/B or Chemistry 2273A; and a minimum mark of 60% in either Chemistry 2223B or Chemistry 2283G.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1 seminar hour.
Course Weight: 0.50
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Among the topics discussed will be regulation of DNA replication, regulation of gene expression, epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, and application of regulatory principles in synthetic biology.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum mark of 65% in either Biochemistry 2280A or Biochemistry 2288A; a minimum mark of 60% in either Chemistry 2213A/B or Chemistry 2273A; and a minimum mark of 60% in either Chemistry 2223B or Chemistry 2283G.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1 seminar hour.
Course Weight: 0.50
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Students carry out a research project under the direction of a faculty member, gaining practical experience in a biochemistry research laboratory. Experimental design, critical thinking, and scientific communication will be emphasized, and students will develop skills at reading and reviewing primary scientific literature.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.
Pre-or Corequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A.
Extra Information: 5 laboratory hours per week. Enrollment in this course is limited.
Course Weight: 0.50
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A course dealing with biochemical and molecular aspects of the human condition. Topics in human disease, medical testing, and lifestyle are considered in a clinical-case-oriented fashion. The course focuses on various aspects of cancer and structural and metabolic disorders related to carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, nucleic acids and proteins.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum mark of 65% in either Biochemistry 2280A or Biochemistry 2288A.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.
Course Weight: 0.50
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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.
Prerequisite(s): Either Biochemistry 2280A or Biochemistry 2288A with a mark of at least 65%.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours. Enrollment limited.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
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.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 seminar hour.
Course Weight: 0.50
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An introduction to the principles of synthetic biology. Students learn to retrieve and apply information from databases to design and model regulated biological circuits using standard components (Biobricks). Teams of students create, communicate, and defend original synthetic biology proposals.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.
Note: it is recommended that Science 3377A/B be taken either prior to or concurrently with Biochemistry 3392F/G.
Course Weight: 0.50
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Introduction to synthetic biology and to philosophical questions relating to it. These include: is synthetic biology revolutionary? Can it help us gain a better understanding of life? What are the ethical dimensions of creating genetic novelty in various contexts?
Antirequisite(s): Philosophy 4320F/G
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3382A or registration in Year 4 of the Honours Specialization in Genetics. Some background in bioethics and/or philosophy of science is recommended
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours. Cross-listed with Philosophy 4320F/G.
Course Weight: 0.50
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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.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours.
Course Weight: 0.50
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This course will explore how metabolic pathways are currently being re-engineered in microorganisms to produce drugs that are otherwise difficult to manufacture. We will also investigate how drug targets are being identified using newly developed chemical genetic screening methods. The impact of both approaches on medicine will be evaluated.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 4415B.
Prerequisite(s): Either (Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A) or (Biochemistry 2280A and one of Chemistry 3393A/B or Chemistry 4493A/B).
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours per week, 1 hour bi-weekly seminar.
Cross-listed with Chemistry 4415B.
Course Weight: 0.50
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Topics to be considered at an advanced level will include: translation, folding and assembly, targeting, turnover, structure and motifs.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 seminar hour.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
The course will cover applied aspects of protein chemistry in biotechnology and protein design. Topics covered will include applications of modern analytical and biophysical techniques used in proteomics and related biochemical analyses, protein structure design, and antibody engineering.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours per week.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
Mutation of specific human genes subverts normal cellular physiology creating characteristic alterations called ‘hallmarks’ that fuel the development of cancer. The underlying processes that alter cellular pathways and gene function will be discussed. Cancer models and molecular therapies will be related to the cancer hallmarks.
Antirequisite(s): Pathology 4450A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours
Cross-listed with Pathology 4450A.
Course Weight: 0.50
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The major laboratory course for the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry and Honours 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): Anatomy and Cell Biology 4480E, Chemical Biology 4500E, Medical Biophysics 4970E, Microbiology and Immunology 4970E, Pathology 4980E, the former Medical Sciences 4900F/G/Z.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3380G, Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A, with marks in each of at least 70%. Enrolment is limited, and is available only to students in Year 4 of Honours Specialization modules in Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Pathology of Human Disease, Biochemistry and Chemistry, Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity, Computational Biochemistry, and Medical Biophysics and Biochemistry. Students in the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity may substitute one of Microbiology and Immunology 3610F, Microbiology and Immunology 3620G, with a minimum mark of 70% in lieu of Biochemistry 3380G as a prerequisite. Students in the Honours Specialization in Computational Biochemistry may substitute Biochemistry 3383F/G with a minimum mark of 70% in lieu of Biochemistry 3380G as a prerequisite.
Extra Information: 15 hours per week. Enrolment in this course is limited.
Course Weight: 1.50
Return to top
With faculty mentorship, student-teams will design, build, test, and defend an interdisciplinary lab-research project. The teams will assess how their project will integrate into real-world scenarios and present their research in multiple formats. The objective of this course is for students to develop their problem-solving and research abilities.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3380G, Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A, with marks in each of at least 70%. Enrolment is limited, and is available only to students in Year 4 of Honours Specialization modules in Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity, and Computational Biochemistry. Students in the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity may substitute either Microbiology and Immunology 3610F or Microbiology and Immunology 3620G with a minimum mark of 70% in lieu of Biochemistry 3380G as a prerequisite. Students in the Honours Specialization in Computational Biochemistry may substitute Biochemistry 3383F/G with a minimum mark of 70% in lieu of Biochemistry 3380G as a prerequisite.
Extra Information: 15 hours per week. Enrolment in this course is limited.
Course Weight: 1.50
Return to top
This capstone course focuses on translation of cancer research into clinical practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, critical thinking, research design, and evaluation of literature. A community-engaged learning component connects small groups of students with relevant community partners. Students engage independently and collaboratively in authentic learning experiences and practice critical reflection.
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 4483E, Medical Sciences 4995E, the former Biochemistry 4455G, the former Biochemistry 4486E.
Prerequisite(s): Biology 2581A/B, Biochemistry 3381A, and registration in Year 4 of the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry and Cancer Biology.
Pre-or Corequisite(s): Biochemistry 4450A.
Extra Information: 1 lecture hour or equivalent online delivery/week and 2 seminar hours/week, plus an average of ~4 independent hours/week working on a community-engaged learning project.
Course Weight: 1.00
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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).
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 4483E or the former Biochemistry 4486E, and permission of the department.
Extra Information: 12 laboratory hours per week and participation in the Biochemistry Graduate Seminar.
Course Weight: 1.00
Return to top
Biochemistry
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 Biology 1201A and either Biology 1002B or Biology 1202B; Chemistry 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B. Integrated Science 1001X can be used as a prerequisite in place of Biology 1002B and Chemistry 1302A/B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours. Note: It is strongly recommended that a course in organic chemistry be taken previously or concurrently (e.g. Chemistry 2213A/B or Chemistry 2273A).
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
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 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B; Biology 1290B; and registration in senior years of Foods and Nutrition modules.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours. Note: It is strongly recommended that a course in organic chemistry be taken previously or concurrently (e.g. Chemistry 2213A/B or Chemistry 2273A).
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
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.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A.
Extra Information: 3 laboratory hours, 1 lecture hour.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
Students gain a deeper understanding of protein structure and folding, enzyme-mediated chemical reactions, protein regulation of networks, and methods for protein structure prediction and analysis. Students develop their ability to use computational tools to represent and analyze proteins, interpret data from primary research papers, and communicate ideas to professional audiences.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum mark of 65% in either Biochemistry 2280A or Biochemistry 2288A; a minimum mark of 60% in either Chemistry 2213A/B or Chemistry 2273A; and a minimum mark of 60% in either Chemistry 2223B or Chemistry 2283G.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1 seminar hour.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
Among the topics discussed will be regulation of DNA replication, regulation of gene expression, epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, and application of regulatory principles in synthetic biology.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum mark of 65% in either Biochemistry 2280A or Biochemistry 2288A; a minimum mark of 60% in either Chemistry 2213A/B or Chemistry 2273A; and a minimum mark of 60% in either Chemistry 2223B or Chemistry 2283G.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1 seminar hour.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
Students carry out a research project under the direction of a faculty member, gaining practical experience in a biochemistry research laboratory. Experimental design, critical thinking, and scientific communication will be emphasized, and students will develop skills at reading and reviewing primary scientific literature.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.
Pre-or Corequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A.
Extra Information: 5 laboratory hours per week. Enrollment in this course is limited.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
A course dealing with biochemical and molecular aspects of the human condition. Topics in human disease, medical testing, and lifestyle are considered in a clinical-case-oriented fashion. The course focuses on various aspects of cancer and structural and metabolic disorders related to carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, nucleic acids and proteins.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum mark of 65% in either Biochemistry 2280A or Biochemistry 2288A.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
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.
Prerequisite(s): Either Biochemistry 2280A or Biochemistry 2288A with a mark of at least 65%.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours. Enrollment limited.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
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.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 seminar hour.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
An introduction to the principles of synthetic biology. Students learn to retrieve and apply information from databases to design and model regulated biological circuits using standard components (Biobricks). Teams of students create, communicate, and defend original synthetic biology proposals.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.
Note: it is recommended that Science 3377A/B be taken either prior to or concurrently with Biochemistry 3392F/G.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
Introduction to synthetic biology and to philosophical questions relating to it. These include: is synthetic biology revolutionary? Can it help us gain a better understanding of life? What are the ethical dimensions of creating genetic novelty in various contexts?
Antirequisite(s): Philosophy 4320F/G
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3382A or registration in Year 4 of the Honours Specialization in Genetics. Some background in bioethics and/or philosophy of science is recommended
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours. Cross-listed with Philosophy 4320F/G.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
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.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
This course will explore how metabolic pathways are currently being re-engineered in microorganisms to produce drugs that are otherwise difficult to manufacture. We will also investigate how drug targets are being identified using newly developed chemical genetic screening methods. The impact of both approaches on medicine will be evaluated.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 4415B.
Prerequisite(s): Either (Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A) or (Biochemistry 2280A and one of Chemistry 3393A/B or Chemistry 4493A/B).
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours per week, 1 hour bi-weekly seminar.
Cross-listed with Chemistry 4415B.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
Topics to be considered at an advanced level will include: translation, folding and assembly, targeting, turnover, structure and motifs.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 seminar hour.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
The course will cover applied aspects of protein chemistry in biotechnology and protein design. Topics covered will include applications of modern analytical and biophysical techniques used in proteomics and related biochemical analyses, protein structure design, and antibody engineering.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours per week.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
Mutation of specific human genes subverts normal cellular physiology creating characteristic alterations called ‘hallmarks’ that fuel the development of cancer. The underlying processes that alter cellular pathways and gene function will be discussed. Cancer models and molecular therapies will be related to the cancer hallmarks.
Antirequisite(s): Pathology 4450A.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours
Cross-listed with Pathology 4450A.
Course Weight: 0.50
Return to top
The major laboratory course for the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry and Honours 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): Anatomy and Cell Biology 4480E, Chemical Biology 4500E, Medical Biophysics 4970E, Microbiology and Immunology 4970E, Pathology 4980E, the former Medical Sciences 4900F/G/Z.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3380G, Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A, with marks in each of at least 70%. Enrolment is limited, and is available only to students in Year 4 of Honours Specialization modules in Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Pathology of Human Disease, Biochemistry and Chemistry, Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity, Computational Biochemistry, and Medical Biophysics and Biochemistry. Students in the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity may substitute one of Microbiology and Immunology 3610F, Microbiology and Immunology 3620G, with a minimum mark of 70% in lieu of Biochemistry 3380G as a prerequisite. Students in the Honours Specialization in Computational Biochemistry may substitute Biochemistry 3383F/G with a minimum mark of 70% in lieu of Biochemistry 3380G as a prerequisite.
Extra Information: 15 hours per week. Enrolment in this course is limited.
Course Weight: 1.50
Return to top
With faculty mentorship, student-teams will design, build, test, and defend an interdisciplinary lab-research project. The teams will assess how their project will integrate into real-world scenarios and present their research in multiple formats. The objective of this course is for students to develop their problem-solving and research abilities.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 3380G, Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A, with marks in each of at least 70%. Enrolment is limited, and is available only to students in Year 4 of Honours Specialization modules in Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity, and Computational Biochemistry. Students in the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity may substitute either Microbiology and Immunology 3610F or Microbiology and Immunology 3620G with a minimum mark of 70% in lieu of Biochemistry 3380G as a prerequisite. Students in the Honours Specialization in Computational Biochemistry may substitute Biochemistry 3383F/G with a minimum mark of 70% in lieu of Biochemistry 3380G as a prerequisite.
Extra Information: 15 hours per week. Enrolment in this course is limited.
Course Weight: 1.50
Return to top
This capstone course focuses on translation of cancer research into clinical practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, critical thinking, research design, and evaluation of literature. A community-engaged learning component connects small groups of students with relevant community partners. Students engage independently and collaboratively in authentic learning experiences and practice critical reflection.
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 4483E, Medical Sciences 4995E, the former Biochemistry 4455G, the former Biochemistry 4486E.
Prerequisite(s): Biology 2581A/B, Biochemistry 3381A, and registration in Year 4 of the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry and Cancer Biology.
Pre-or Corequisite(s): Biochemistry 4450A.
Extra Information: 1 lecture hour or equivalent online delivery/week and 2 seminar hours/week, plus an average of ~4 independent hours/week working on a community-engaged learning project.
Course Weight: 1.00
Return to top
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).
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 4483E or the former Biochemistry 4486E, and permission of the department.
Extra Information: 12 laboratory hours per week and participation in the Biochemistry Graduate Seminar.