For a protein to function, it must maintain the intricate 3D structure it has developed inside the cell. The folded structure of a protein frequently changes as a result of environmental stress, genetic mutation, and/or infection, and many proteins clump together and separate in a process known as aggregation. Misfolded proteins self-associate to produce fibre-like aggregates that kill brain cells and cause dementia in many protein aggregation disorders. This course will investigate the molecular and structural biology in protein misfolding diseases, including prion diseases, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. 

BCHM 4000/5000/7000

This course introduces students to adaptive and pathological changes in human metabolic pathways. The course will cover various situations which alter the ‘normal’ function of the metabolic pathways, such as lifestyle modifications (e.g. exercise, diet), starvation, cancer, diabetes, aging, and neurodegenerative disorders, immune diseases, and mitochondrial diseases.  

BCHM 4000/5000/7000

In this course, the chemistry of carbohydrates and lipids and the metabolism of these and other cellular constituents are examined in detail. The energy transduction associated with catabolism and anabolism is also discussed.

BCHM 3300

This course examines human nutrition based on some elementary principles of chemistry and biochemistry. Nutritional requirements, the function and metabolism of nutrients and practical means for achieving adequate nutrition are emphasized.

BCHM 2300

This course is an introductory course examining the chemistry of biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids.

BCHM 2000

An interdisciplinary approach combining the field of synthetic biology with other disciplines such as computational modelling, design, ethics, management (small business development), and new media. Case-driven learning environment; basic training in state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques; working with and constructing novel genetic building blocks (biobricks). 

IDST 3200