BIOCHEM 100 — BIOCHEMISTRY FRESHMAN SEMINAR

1 credit.

Introduction to the discipline of biochemistry, to the UW Biochemistry Department, to some of the research projects the faculty are pursuing, to the University, and to the career options open to an individual with a biochemistry background.

BIOCHEM 104 — MOLECULES TO LIFE AND THE NATURE OF SCIENCE

3 credits.

Introduction to how life works at a molecular level and the evolutionary paths that led to the great diversity of life on our planet. With this foundation, discuss current topics in the news such as: exploring the human genome to understand our species' history and to diagnose and treat disease; genetic engineering of crops in relation to foods safety and effects on ecosystems; gene editing of insects and mammals including humans; how to determine whether herbal remedies, vaccines, etc. are effective and safe; and current trends in biotechnology and what might be on the horizon. Focus on appreciating the nature of science and becoming better equipped to explore and evaluate scientific topics of interest.

BIOCHEM 289 — HONORS INDEPENDENT STUDY

1-2 credits.

Research work for Honors students under direct guidance of a Biochemistry faculty member. Students are responsible for arranging the work and credits with the supervising instructor.

BIOCHEM 299 — INDEPENDENT STUDY

1-3 credits.

Research work for students under direct guidance of a Biochemistry faculty member. Students are responsible for arranging the work and credits with the supervising instructor.

BIOCHEM 301 — SURVEY OF BIOCHEMISTRY

3 credits.

Explore the basic chemical properties of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Topics to be discussed include protein structure and function, the chemical logic of metabolism, and the mechanisms of DNA replication, DNA transcription, DNA repair, and gene expression. Understand principles and themes in biochemistry that relate to metabolic diseases, drug design, virus infection and vaccination, and gene therapy. Does not cover the foundational material necessary to succeed in additional biochemistry coursework, and is not likely to be acceptable for medical or veterinary school admission.

BIOCHEM 375 — SPECIAL TOPICS

1-4 credits.

Examines various special topics in biochemistry. Topics and content will vary each semester and by section of the course.

BIOCHEM 399 — COORDINATIVE INTERNSHIP/COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

1-8 credits.

An internship under guidance of a faculty or instructional academic staff member in Biochemistry and internship site supervisor. Students are responsible for arranging the work and credits with the faculty or instructional academic staff member and the internship site supervisor.

BIOCHEM 400 — STUDY ABROAD IN BIOCHEMISTRY

1-6 credits.

Provides an area equivalency for courses taken on Madison Study Abroad Programs that do not equate to existing UW courses. Enrollment in a UW-Madison resident study abroad program

BIOCHEM 501 — INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY

3 credits.

Chemistry, nutrition, and metabolism of biological systems.

BIOCHEM 507 — GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I

3 credits.

Chemistry of biological materials, intermediary metabolism and protein structure.

BIOCHEM 508 — GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY II

3-4 credits.

Biosynthesis of biological molecules, signal transduction mechanisms, chemistry and metabolism of nucleic acids, protein synthesis, and molecular and cellular biology.

BIOCHEM/​NUTR SCI  510 — NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND METABOLISM

3 credits.

Lectures in nutrition with a substantial background in biochemistry. Emphasis on biochemical and physiological fundamentals of nutrition. Discussion of protein, fat, carbohydrate, energy, minerals and vitamins and their roles and interrelationships in nutrition and metabolism.

BIOCHEM 550 — PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN DISEASE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

2 credits.

Covers modern approaches to human diseases and biotechnology, emphasizing the molecular and biochemical basis of cancer and metabolic disorders with an overview of recent advances in applied biotechnology. Investigates the mechanisms of disease onset, progression, and therapeutic strategies through contemporary primary research literature.

BIOCHEM 551 — BIOCHEMICAL METHODS

4 credits.

Introduction to modern biochemical laboratory techniques and current biochemical literature. Includes student seminar presentations based upon scientific literature that parallels experiments performed in the lab.

BIOCHEM 570 — COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

3 credits.

Introduction to the mathematical and computational tools needed to model biological systems spanning from molecules to ecosystems. Topics include protein folding and dynamics, gene regulation, biomolecular networks, and population dynamics. Teaches the fundamentals in quantitative thinking and analytical reasoning about complex biological systems.

BIOCHEM/​M M & I  575 — BIOLOGY OF VIRUSES

2 credits.

Broad coverage of animal virology taught at molecular level. Topics include virus structure, viral replication/lifecycle, aspects of pathogenesis and prevention.

BIOCHEM 601 — PROTEIN AND ENZYME STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

2 credits.

Protein structure and dynamics. Protein folding. Physical organic chemistry of enzymatic catalysis. Analysis of enzyme kinetics and receptor-ligand interactions. Enzymatic reaction mechanisms.

BIOCHEM/​B M I/​BMOLCHEM/​MATH  609 — MATHEMATICAL METHODS FOR SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Provides a rigorous foundation for mathematical modeling of biological systems. Mathematical techniques include dynamical systems and differential equations. Applications to biological pathways, including understanding of bistability within chemical reaction systems, are emphasized.

BIOCHEM/​GENETICS/​MICROBIO  612 — PROKARYOTIC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Molecular basis of bacterial physiology and genetics with emphasis on molecular mechanisms; topics include nucleic acid-protein interactions, transcription, translation, replication, recombination, regulation of gene expression.

BIOCHEM/​NUTR SCI  619 — ADVANCED NUTRITION: INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM OF MACRONUTRIENTS

3 credits.

Discuss metabolic control; gastrointestinal physiology, nutrient absorption; molecular, cellular, organismal aspects of glucose transport, metabolism, regulation; fuel sensing; molecular regulation of fatty acid, lipid metabolism; cellular, organismal aspects of protein metabolism; hormonal control of metabolism; experimental approaches for studying metabolism.

BIOCHEM/​GENETICS/​MD GENET  620 — EUKARYOTIC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Focuses on the basic molecular mechanisms that regulate DNA, RNA, and protein metabolism in eukaryotic organisms.

BIOCHEM/​BOTANY  621 — PLANT BIOCHEMISTRY

3 credits.

Biochemistry of photosynthesis, respiration, cell walls, and other metabolic and biosynthetic processes in plants.

BIOCHEM 625 — MECHANISMS OF ACTION OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS

2 credits.

Emphasizes the importance of coenzyme and cofactors of enzymes (i.e., vitamins and minerals) in biochemistry. All aspects of the biochemistry of coenzymes will be covered, including their biosynthesis as far as is known, the biochemical reactions they catalyze, their chemical and spectroscopic properties, and the mechanisms by which they facilitate biochemical reactions.

BIOCHEM/​GENETICS  631 — PLANT GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT

3 credits.

Covers the basic concepts of genetics and genomics as applied to plants and their development, including discussions on breeding systems (modes of reproduction, sex determination, self incompatibility and crossing barriers), linkage analysis, genome structure and function (structure, function and evolution of nuclear and organellar chromosomes; haploidy and polyploidy; expression regulation and epigenetics), along with a description of current methodologies used in the analysis of these processes within the context of plant development. The objective is to instigate a broader knowledge and understanding of the principles and methodologies used in plant genetics and their applications in investigations of the molecular mechanisms that modulate plant development.

BIOCHEM/​NUTR SCI  645 — MOLECULAR CONTROL OF METABOLISM AND METABOLIC DISEASE

3 credits.

Examination of various physiological states and how they affect metabolic pathways. Discussion of a number of special topics related to the unique roles of various tissues and to metabolic pathways in disease states, including adipocyte biology, beta-cell biology, epigenetics, inflammation, and aging related diseases.

BIOCHEM/​CHEM  665 — BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

4 credits.

Equilibrium thermodynamics, chemical kinetics and transport properties, with emphasis on solution behavior and application to noncovalent interactions of biological macromolecules in solution. Focus on biological applications of physical chemistry.

BIOCHEM 681 — SENIOR HONORS THESIS

2-4 credits.

First semester of individual study for undergraduate students in an Honors program completing a thesis in the area of Biochemistry, as arranged with a Biochemistry faculty member.

BIOCHEM 682 — SENIOR HONORS THESIS

2-4 credits.

Second semester of individual study for undergraduate students in an Honors program completing a thesis in the area of Biochemistry, as arranged with a Biochemistry faculty member.

BIOCHEM 691 — SENIOR THESIS

2 credits.

First semester of individual study for undergraduate students completing a thesis in the area of Biochemistry, as arranged with a Biochemistry faculty member.

BIOCHEM 692 — SENIOR THESIS

2 credits.

Second semester of individual study for undergraduate students completing a thesis in the area of Biochemistry, as arranged with a Biochemistry faculty member.

BIOCHEM 699 — SPECIAL PROBLEMS

1-4 credits.

Provides academic credit for research, library, and/or laboratory work under direct guidance of a faculty member. Students are responsible for arranging the work and credits with the supervising faculty member.

BIOCHEM/​BMOLCHEM  701 — PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

1 credit.

Training for the practical aspects of being a scientist. Will cover ethics, peer review, grant writing, science communication, career alternatives, paper writing, experimental design, research documentation, science funding, academic-private interface, scientific fraud, and more.

BIOCHEM/​CHEM  704 — CHEMICAL BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Chemistry and biology of proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates; application of organic chemistry to problems in cell biology, biotechnology, and biomedicine.

BIOCHEM 719 — FROM ATOMS TO MOLECULES

3 credits.

Topics covered include protein structure and folding, protein dynamics, biological catalysis, membrane structure and assembly, nucleic acid structure and folding, and bioenergetics. Each topic includes discussion of the primary literature, hypothesis generation, experimental design, data, analysis and interpretation underlying the facts in the textbook. Supports transition from undergraduate consumers of knowledge to graduate students and future independent scientists who will discover and add new knowledge.

BIOCHEM 721 — BIOCHEMICAL COMMUNICATION

2 credits.

Introduction to written and visual communication of biochemical research, both to other scientists and to general audiences, including: how to recognize and adapt work to different audiences; how to construct a scientific argument and the different strategies used for research reports, reviews, and proposals; and how to create figures and posters that clearly convey scientific data and concepts. Learn about the peer review process and revision of scientific writing. An intensive writing component, which requires multiple written and visual documentation on topics related to thesis research.

BIOCHEM 729 — ADVANCED TOPICS

1-3 credits.

Specialized subjects of current interest.

BIOCHEM 800 — PRACTICAL NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE THEORY

2 credits.

Multiple pulse Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), off-resonance effects, composite and shaped pulses, product operators, coherence transfer, one- and two-dimensional NMR, phase cycling, multiple quantum coherence, and cross relaxation.

BIOCHEM 801 — BIOCHEMICAL APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE

2 credits.

Survey of current solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance techniques used in biochemical research; the emphasis will be on how data are acquired and on practical applications.

BIOCHEM/​BOTANY/​GENETICS  840 — REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN PLANT DEVELOPMENT

3 credits.

Molecular mechanisms whereby endogenous and environmental regulatory factors control development; emphasis on stimulus perception and primary events in the signal chain leading to modulated gene expression and cellular development.

BIOCHEM/​CHEM  872 — SELECTED TOPICS IN MACROMOLECULAR AND BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

1-3 credits.

Various selected topics in contemporary macromolecular or biophysical chemistry.

BIOCHEM/​NUTR SCI  901 — SEMINAR-NUTRITION AND METABOLISM (ADVANCED)

1 credit.

Presentation of original research results; discussion of recent articles in animal metabolism and nutrition.

BIOCHEM 906 — TOPICS IN MODELING FOR BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS

1 credit.

Discuss topics relevant to predictive modeling of bioenergy systems. Present talks and lead brainstorming sessions intended to sharpen skills at cross-disciplinary communication. Modeling microbes and plants at the genetic, molecular and systems level is emphasized.

BIOCHEM 909 — SEMINAR-ENZYMOLOGY (ADVANCED)

1 credit.

Research reports, special topics, and reports from recent literature in enzymology and enzyme mechanisms.

BIOCHEM 910 — SEMINAR-MOLECULAR VIROLOGY (ADVANCED)

1 credit.

Research reports, special topics, and reports from recent literature in molecular virology.

BIOCHEM 912 — SEMINAR-MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF DEVELOPMENT

1 credit.

Classical and current papers concerning molecular and genetic mechanisms of eukaryotic development will be presented and discussed.

BIOCHEM/​BMOLCHEM  913 — SEMINAR-RIBOGROUP (ADVANCED)

1 credit.

Student-led discussions of RNA-related problems.

BIOCHEM/​BMOLCHEM/​M M & I  914 — SEMINAR-MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES (ADVANCED)

1 credit.

During the fall semester, molecular biosciences trainees who have not achieved dissertator status will present seminars based primarily on literature related to their projects. During the spring semester, molecular biosciences trainees with dissertator status will present seminars based upon their own research.

BIOCHEM/​B M E/​B M I/​CBE/​COMP SCI/​GENETICS  915 — COMPUTATION AND INFORMATICS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE

1 credit.

Participants and outside speakers will discuss current research in computation and informatics in biology and medicine. This seminar is required of all CIBM program trainees.

BIOCHEM 916 — CELLULAR MECHANISMS OF PROTEIN BIOGENESIS AND TRAFFICKING

1 credit.

Recent literature relating to cellular aspects of the regulation of protein biogenesis including protein synthesis, folding, modification, degradation and trafficking, as well as function of molecular chaperones, will be presented and discussed.

BIOCHEM/​MICROBIO  917 — REGULATION OF GENE EXPRESSION (ADVANCED SEMINAR)

1 credit.

Analysis of recent literature in topics related to prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation, including regulation of transcription, translation, and genome organization.

BIOCHEM/​CHEM  918 — SINGLE MOLECULE APPROACHES TO BIOLOGY

1 credit.

A combination of recent literature and original research presentations relating to the use of single molecule techniques in biochemistry including fluorescence microscopy, tethered particle motion, patch-clamping, cryo-electron microscopy, optical trapping, magnetic tweezers, and super resolution microscopy.

BIOCHEM 919 — SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY SEMINAR

1 credit.

Synthetic biology is a burgeoning field encompassing understanding and designing biological systems spanning from biomolecules to ecosystems. It builds on advances in molecular and cellular technologies to revolutionize biological engineering in the same way that organic synthesis transformed chemistry and integrated circuit design transformed computing. Synthetic biology has the potential to address many of society's grand challenges including: understanding human disease, sustainable biomanufacturing, medical diagnostics and therapeutics, programming mammalian cell behaviors, engineering living materials, information storage, carbon sequestration, and energy generation. Latest advances in the field will be reviewed by covering literature including but not limited to biomolecular design, sequence-structure-function relationship, regulatory and signaling networks, metabolic engineering, interactions in microbial communities, cell-based therapeutics and genome design.

BIOCHEM 924 — MEMBRANE PROTEIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

1 credit.

Membrane proteins comprise over a fourth of proteins encoded in any given genome, providing many vital functions to all cells. For example, ion channels and pumps modulate the membrane potential and help conduct information via nerves and other long distance conducting tissue. Transporters mediate the uptake and secretion of molecules. Receptors, such as G protein coupled receptors and receptor protein kinases, transfer information about the environment to the inside of the cell. Membrane proteins also contribute to the shape of the cell, the structure of the membrane and a myriad of other functions. Structure/function relationships for this critical class of proteins are discussed, addressing questions such as "how do membrane proteins fold?", "how do certain important classes of membrane proteins work?", "what are the challenges in studying membrane proteins" and "what methods are available for studying their biophysical properties?

BIOCHEM/​CBE  932 — BIOTECHNOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAM SEMINAR

1 credit.

Biotechnology Training Program trainees will present their research for critical review by audience.

BIOCHEM/​CHEM  945 — SEMINAR-CHEMICAL BIOLOGY (ADVANCED)

1 credit.

Presentations and discussions of recently published research in chemical biology and related areas.

BIOCHEM 990 — RESEARCH

1-12 credits.

Independent laboratory research in preparation of a graduate thesis or dissertation under supervision of a faculty member.