Course Descriptions

• MDCM 801: Issues in Scientific Integrity. In a seminar setting, students are introduced to practical principles of ethical behavior in science; ethical issues in research, publication and other scientific activities; and procedures for handling scientific misconduct. This course is given biennially and has an attendance of 20-40 students.
  
  
• BIOL 688: Molecular Biology of Cancer. The basic concepts of molecular biology are examined and used to probe the process by which a normal cell becomes a cancer cell. The course investigates DNA damage and repair, chemical carcinogenesis, gene cloning and manipulation, the control of gene expression in eukaryotes, tumor viruses, the roles of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in carcinogenesis, and cancer therapy.
  
  
• BIOL 672: Gene Expression. A study of the structure and expression of genes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Emphasis is on the mechanisms of DNA, RNA, and protein biosynthesis.
  
  
• BIOL 701: Bioinformatics. A course teaching students how to use a variety of powerful computational and bioinformations methods designed to analyze sequences and structures of biological molecules (e.g., DNA, RNA, and proteins). Topics included will be information resources, sequence alignment, database searching, protein structure analysis and modeling, microarray studies, genomics and proteomics. (Note that this is a new course and is not listed in the Graduate Catalog descriptions of programs provided in Appendix II.)
  
  
• BIOL 752: Cell Biology. A lecture course emphasizing biochemical developmental and molecular aspects of cell structure and function.
  
  
• BIOL 918: Modern Biochemical and Biophysical Methods. A course emphasizing the use of techniques for solving problems of structure and function of biological macromolecules. Students complete several modules that consist of lectures relating to theory and practical aspects of each methodological approach, and apply these techniques to solving a specific problem.
  
  
• BIOL 952: Introduction to Molecular Modeling. Introduction to the theory and practice of contemporary molecular modeling, including molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, computer graphics, data analysis, the use of structure and sequence databases, docking, and homology modeling. Weekly computer laboratory sections are held allowing for independent research projects incorporating modeling techniques.
  
  
• CHEM 737: Coordination and Organometallic Chemistry. An examination of the basic foundations of coordination chemistry and organometallic chemistry, including symmetry methods, bonding, magnetism, and reaction mechanisms. A section on bioinorganic chemistry is also included.
  
  
• CHEM 740: Principles of Organic Reactions. A consideration of the structural features and driving forces that control the course of chemical reactions. Topics include acid and base properties of functional groups; qualitative aspects of strain, steric, inductive, resonance, and solvent effects on reactivity; stereochemistry and conformations; an introduction to orbital symmetry control; basic thermodynamic and kinetic concepts; and an overview of some important classes of mechanisms.
  
  
• CHEM 750: Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy. An introductory study of the application of quantum mechanics to atomic and molecular systems. Includes an introduction to the basic principles of quantum theory, description of electronic structure of atoms and molecules, and the foundations of spectroscopy. Contains a brief presentation of group theory and its applications to the analysis of molecular symmetry, spectra and structure.
  
  
• CHEM 925: Bioanalysis. A course covering important aspects in modern chemical measurement with particular emphasis placed on bioanalysis. This course will survey the modern analytical challenges associated with ongoing efforts in genomics and proteomics and discuss potential future developments. (Note: This is a new course, previously taught as CHEM 959: Special Topics, and is not yet listed in the Graduate Catalog descriptions provided in Appendix II.)
  
  
• MDCM 790: Principles of Drug Design. A discussion of the principles of contemporary drug design with specific examples chosen from the original literature. Prodrugs; bioisosteres; Kcat inhibitors; active site-directed reversible and irreversible inhibitors; modulation of drug absorption, distributuion, metabolism and excretion,molecular dissection; and pharmacophores among other topics are covered.
  
  The two biology (biochemistry) courses that would provide background for entering students lacking a biochemistry course are BIOL 600, Introductory Biochemistry, and BIOL 658, Biochemistry I.
  
  
• BIOL 600: Introductory Biochemistry. Designed to offer the essentials of the chemistry of the constituents of living organisms and the changes these constituents undergo (during life processes) in the human body and other living forms.
  
  
• BIOL 658: Biochemistry I. An introductory course in biochemistry. Emphasis is upon the physical structure of macromolecules and membranes, enzyme structure/function, and enzyme kinetics.