Duke Biochemistry Courses

Below are brief descriptions of the courses that are most likely to be interesting to Biochemistry graduate students. These descriptions may be altered slightly before classes start, so check back once or twice for more information. A complete listing of current courses is available in the online course catalog.

During Orientation Week, Biochem grad students will meet with the Advisory Committee to receive guidance about course selection. At this meeting, they will be given their PIN number, which will be used to register via ACES Web.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

BIOCHEM 227 – Introductory Biochemistry I:

Chemistry of the constituents of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids and their metabolic interrelationships. Prerequisite: two semesters of organic chemistry.

BIOCHEM 228 – Introductory Biochemistry II:

Structure, function, and biosynthesis of biological macromolecules and regulation of their synthesis. Intermediary metabolism and metabolic utilization of energy. Biochemistry of biological membranes, receptors, and signal transduction via membrane receptors. Prerequisite: organic chemistry and Biochemistry 227.

ADVANCED UNDERGRADUATE / GRADUATE COURSES

BIOCHEM 222 – Structure of Biological Macromolecules

Computer graphics intensive study of some of the biological macromolecules whose three-dimensional structures have been determined at high resolution. Emphasis on the patterns and determinants of protein structure.

BIOCHEM 258 – Structural Biochemistry I: Structure of Macromolecules

Introduction to the principles of macromolecular protein structure and function. Examples of methods of structure determination.

BIOCHEM 259 – Structural Biochemistry II: Molecular Biology I

Continuation of BIOCHEM 258. Structure/function analysis of proteins as enzymes, multiple ligand binding, protein folding and stability, allostery, protein-protein interactions.

BIOCHEM 291 – Physical Biochemistry

Basic principles of physical chemistry as applied to biological systems. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, spectroscopy, and diffraction theory. Concepts discussed in the context of the biochemistry and behavior of biological macromolecules. Emphasis on quantitative understanding of biochemical phenomena, with extensive problem solving as an instructive tool.

GRADUATE COURSES

BIOCHEM 265 – Special Topics in Biochemistry

This is a half-credit seminar course focusing on topics of current interest with an emphasis on critically examining the primary literature.

BIOCHEM 267 – Molecular Genetics I: DNA and Genome Stability

Chromosome structure, replication, repair, genetic recombination, mutation and chromosome rearrangement. (Course Info)

BIOCHEM 268 – Molecular Genetics II: From RNA to Protein

Mechanisms of transcription, splicing, catalytic RNA, RNA editing, mRNA stability and translation. (Course Info)

BIOCHEM 336 – Bioorganic Chemistry

Basic enzymology, mechanisms of enzymatic reactions, cofactors, oxidoreductases, C1 chemistry, carbon-carbon bond formation, carboxylation/decarboxylation, heme, pyridoxal enzymes, thiamine enzymes.

BIOCHEM 417 – Cellular Signaling

Mechanism of action of hormones at the cellular level including hormone-receptor interactions, secondary messenger systems for hormones, mechanisms of regulation of hormone responsiveness, regulation of growth, differentiation and proliferation, mechanisms of transport and ion channels, stimulus sensing and transduction. Some lectures stress the clinical correlation of the basic course concepts.

Popular Courses Outside the Department

CMB 297 – Modern Techniques in Molecular Biology

Discussions of nucleic acid sequencing and manipulation, cloning strategies, vectors, expression, hybridization and blotting methods, PCR, etc.

CMB 251 – Molecular Cell Biology

Current research topics in cell biology presented in a lecture and discussion format based on recent research papers. Topics include: protein secretion and trafficking; mitochondria and organelles; the nucleus; cytoskeleton and cell motility; extracellular matrix and cell adhesion; growth factors and signaling; cell cycle.

UPGEN 278 – Solutions to Biological Problems

Use of genetic approaches to address research problems in cell and developmental biology. Genetic fundamentals build up to modern molecular genetic strategies including genetic screens, reverse genetics, genetic interactions, dominant negative mutants, and more. Several major genetic model organisms used to illustrate general principles.