The list below contains only some of the graduate courses related to Biochemistry. Visit the following links for complete course directory and detailed information on the Biology and Chemistry Graduate Programs:

http://www.bio.umb.edu/graduate/

http://www.chem.umb.edu/graduate/

Most of the 600 level courses are also open to advanced undergraduates who meet prerequisites and have permission of the instructor.

Biol 680/Chem680, Physical Biochemistry, is a course about the theory and application of techniques used in biochemistry research. This course is an introduction to analytical methods and instrumentation available to the interdisciplinary scientist. It provides the theoretical foundation about, and application of, the biochemical techniques used in disciplines such as biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemistry, environmental sciences, etc. Topics include, but are not limited to, centrifugation, electrophoresis, electrophysiology, liquid chromatography, HPLC, LC-mass spectroscopy, microscopy (light, SEM, TEM), molecular modeling, NMR, organic solid state, spectroscopy, surface techniques (including AFM), thermal techniques, X-ray diffraction, etc. Lectures incorporate classic and current primary literature.

Dr. Ackerman, Dr. Evans, Dr. Sugumaran

Chem 681 Medical Biochemistry

Chem 681 is an overview of the biochemical reactions of the human body in health and disease. A previous knowledge of fundamental biochemistry is necessary for understanding the course material. The connections of basic biochemical concepts to physiological and pathophysiological processes will be discussed during this lecture. Topics include, among others, Protein Folding & Misfolding, Organ Specialization of Human Metabolism, Metabolic Diseases, Free Radicals and Ageing, Nutrition, Molecular Biology of Diseases, Hormones, Biochemistry of Blood, the Extracellular Matrix, Muscle and the Cytoskeleton, and the Sensory Systems.

Dr. Ackerman, Dr. M. Torok

Biol 678/679 Protein Chemistry and Enzymology
Biol 678 is a lecture and laboratory course on various aspects of protein chemistry and enzymology. Emphasis on purification, characterization, structure, function, mechanism of action, kinetics, and regulatory aspects of enzymes. Topics also include the practical and theoretical aspects of affinity chromatography and other separation techniques, immobilization of enzymes and other biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, and the analytical and industrial use of soluble and insoluble enzymes. Biol 679 is a lecture only course covering the same material as Biol 678; no lab work is required.
Dr. Sugumaran

Biol 675/676 Advanced Molecular Biology
Biol 675 is a lecture and laboratory course covering the biosynthesis and regulation of RNA, DNA, and proteins in eukaryotic organisms. The course examines the importance of gene regulation in oncogenesis, levels of gene expression and development; as well as regulation by structure and function (chromosome structure and translational regulation); basic research techniques; and current recombinant DNA methodology. Please note: Labs meet every other week, for a total of seven hours every two weeks. Biol 676 is a lecture only course covering the same material as Biol 675; no lab work is required.
Dr. Ackerman, Dr. Kleene

Biol 674 Cell Signaling

This course will systematically investigate cell communication mechanisms, with an emphasis on developmental examples of cell signaling. General properties of signaling cascades will be discussed, followed by specific examples of conserved signaling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, TGF b /BMP, JAK/STAT, nuclear receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Normal and aberrant receptor signaling will be examined using experimental evidence obtained in model genetic organisms. Implications of disrupting cell communication pathways in human disease will be discussed. The course will emphasize readings from the current literature. Upon completion of this course, students will have a solid understanding of the molecular mechanisms and control principles of cellular communication in normal and pathological conditions.

Dr. Veraksa

Chem 458/658 Medicinal Chemistry
This upper-level course presents the principles of medicinal chemistry. Organized along pharmacological lines, the course considers the development and design of drugs, those a) acting on the central and peripheral nervous system; b) acting on the cardiovascular, hematopoietic and renal systems; and c) acting as chemotherapeutic agents, vitamins, and hormones. Special emphasis is given to drugs used in emergencies and to drugs described in the United States Pharmacopoeia and National Formulary. Syntheses of important compounds in the various categories are presented.

Dr. B. Torok

Chem 631 Chemical Toxicology

Designing safer chemicals requires a comprehensive and systematic approach based on the contribution of multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary investigators. This course focuses on understanding the structure-hazard relationship, and on minimizing the intrinsic toxicity of new drug candidates before synthesis even begins.

Dr. Anastas

Chem 651 Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds

A survey of spectral methods for organic structure determination. This course will introduce the major spectroscopic techniques with an emphasis on the application to structural analysis. The basic theory and methodology of each type of spectroscopy will be presented. Topics covered include IR, UV-vis, NMR, and mass spectrometry.

Dr. Schwartz