Keck School of Medicine
Department-Specific Programs
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Courses of Instruction
Biochemistry (BIOC)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
BIOC 501 Recent Advances in Biochemistry (2-4, max 16, Fa) Lectures on areas of intermediary metabolism and the chemistry of natural products. Prerequisite: BISC 435, CHEM 430ab.
BIOC 502 Biochemistry Seminar (1, max 12, FaSp) Formal presentations and discussion by students of material from research literature.
BIOC 504 Molecular Biology of Cancer (4, Sp) (Enroll in INTD 504)
BIOC 510 Introductory Molecular Biology (2, Sp) Principles of molecular biology with applications to the medical sciences. Nucleic acid structure, function, and analysis. Recommended preparation: a course in biochemistry.
BIOC 512 Molecular Basis of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation (2, Irregular) An advanced seminar course in molecular cell biology, discussing current literature with significant impact on the understanding of the cell cycle and differentiation of various cell types. Recommended preparation: basic cell biology and molecular biology. (Frenkel)
BIOC 522 Applications of Physical Methods in Biochemistry (2, FaSp) Applications of physical analytical methods commonly utilized in research in biochemistry and molecular biology. Concurrent enrollment: CHEM 521. (Langen)
BIOC 531 Cell Biology (4) (Enroll in INTD 531)
BIOC 536 Molecular Biology of Cellular Communication in the Nervous System (2, Sp) Discussion of cellular communications in the nervous system through neurotransmitters and their receptors, neuromodulators; biochemical changes during development and the impact of human genomic research. Recommended preparation: one year of general biochemistry or molecular biology. (Tokes)
BIOC 542 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Animal Development (4, Fa) Processes of cell type specification, determination, and morphogenesis in metazoans from vertebrates to insects. Genetic, paragenetic and molecular biological approaches to developmental processes. Prerequisite: INTD 571. (Maxson)
BIOC 543 Human Molecular Genetics (4, Fa) Comprehensive course covering basic principles of human genetics, genetic disease, the Human Genome Project, and gene therapy. Recommended preparation: undergraduate genetics. (Allayee)
BIOC 549 Protein Chemistry – Structure and Function (4, FaSpSm) (Enroll in INTD 549)
BIOC 551 Procaryotic Molecular Genetics (4, Fa) (Enroll in MICB 551)
BIOC 555 Biochemical and Molecular Bases of Disease (4) (Enroll in INTD 555)
BIOC 561 Molecular Biology (4, Fa) (Enroll in INTD 561)
BIOC 571 Biochemistry (4, Fa) (Enroll in INTD 571)
BIOC 573 Optimal Research Presentations by Ph.D. Students (1, max 12, FaSp) Students will attend lectures by peers, and after their first year in the Ph.D. program, prepare and present their own research to an audience of faculty and peers. Open to Ph.D. students in Genetic, Molecular and Cellular Biology Program (GMCB), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Molecular Epidemiology only. Graded CR/NC. (Hong)
BIOC 574 Systems Physiology and Disease II (4, Sp) (Enroll in INTD 573)
BIOC 575 Predictive and Prognostic Biomarkers in Cancer Treatment (2) Exploration of how appropriate biomarkers can predict response to cancer therapy, tumor recurrence after surgery, rapid detection of tumor response and overall prognosis. Recommended preparation: INTD 571 and a basic understanding of molecular biology.
BIOC 590 Directed Research (1-10, FaSpSm) Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
BIOC 594abz Master’s Thesis (2-2-0, FaSpSm) Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
BIOC 599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8)
BIOC 601 Molecular Biology of Gene Regulation (2, max 8, FaSp) Current techniques and systems in molecular biology from an interdisciplinary perspective: microbiological, biochemical, and pharmaceutical.
BIOC 604 Current Topics in Animal Development (2, Sp) (Enroll in CNB 604)
BIOC 790 Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
BIOC 794abcdz Doctoral Dissertation (2-2-2-2-0, FaSpSm) Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.