MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

Professors: William Firshein (Chair, fall), Paul Haake, Anthony A. Infante, Lewis N. Lukens, Donald B. Oliver (Chair, spring)

Associate Professor: Irina M. Russu

Assistant Professors: Michael McAlear, Ishita Mukerji

Visiting Assistant Professor: Eileen Roark

Associated Faculty: David Beveridge (Chemistry), Rex Pratt (Chemistry), Philip Bolton (Chemistry)

The sciences of molecular biology and biochemistry are concerned with the molecular mechanisms of biological processes. The emphasis in molecular biology is on the transmission of genetic information; the emphasis in biochemistry is on the physical and chemical basis of these processes.

Major. Because molecular biology and biochemistry are interdisciplinary subjects, it is desirable for students to begin working toward the major in the freshman year in order to take advantage of upper-level courses and research opportunities. The following courses are required: Cell Biology and Genetics I (MB&B 205), Genetics II and Development (MB&B 206), Molecular Biology (MB&B 208), and the associated laboratories (MB&B 215, 216, and 294); either Introductory Chemistry 141 and 142 or (preferably) Chemistry 143 and 144, Organic Chemistry I and II (Chemistry 251 and 252), the General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry laboratories (Chemistry 257 and 258), Biochemistry I (MB&B 383) and two upper-level courses in molecular biology and biochemistry. (Suitable courses from other departments may be substituted, with permission.) One year of mathematics and either one year of physics or one semester of physical chemistry or physical biochemistry (MB&B 340, 514, 523 or Chemistry 305, 337, 338) are also required. Students going on to graduate school are encouraged to take both physics and physical chemistry.

A typical prospective major, as a freshman, would probably take MB&B 205, 215, 206, and 216 and either Chemistry 141, 142, or Chemistry 143, 144. In the second year, MB&B 208 and 294 along with Chemistry 251, 252, and the corresponding laboratories (Chemistry 257, 258) would be taken. Students are also encouraged to take a seminar course (Research Frontiers in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, MB&B 209) in the fall of the sophomore year. The major might then take Biochemistry I (MB&B 383) and one upper-level course in the junior year and the second advanced course in the senior year.

Independent research in the laboratory of a faculty member is also strongly encouraged, both because it is an intrinsically valuable experience and because many graduate and professional schools require it. Research provides a completely different dimension of experience, enabling the student to interact with graduate students and faculty on a professional level. The research interests of the faculty include control of DNA replication and DNA repair; molecular biology and genetics of cell cycle control in the yeast S. cerevisiae; mechanism of protein secretion; molecular studies of Lyme disease; genome organization and regulation of gene expression; cellular differentiation and the molecular basis of embryonic development; developmental genetics; regulation of RNA and protein synthesis in sea urchin embryos; molecular responses to oxidative and heavy metal stresses; protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions; the structural dynamics of nucleic acids and proteins; biological assembly mechanisms; enzyme mechanisms; biochemistry of B-lactam antibiotics; and the chemistry of phosphate- and guadinium-containing compounds and ascorbic acid. A description of the research interests of each faculty member is available in the departmental office (Room 205, Hall-Atwater).

In conjunction with the Biology Department, the department sponsors a seminar series Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. at which distinguished scientists from other institutions present their research. There is also a Wednesday evening seminar program in biochemistry for which course credit (MB&B 587, 588) may be given.

The adviser for new majors in 1995-1996 is Dr. William Firshein (Room 238 Hall-Atwater). The adviser for seniors is Dr. Lewis Lukens (Room 234 Hall-Atwater).

General education courses. The department offers several courses without prerequisites on a rotating basis for non-majors: Molecules, Microbes, and Man (MB&B 104); Genetic Engineering and Recombinant DNA (MB&B 106); Physics of Life (MB&B 107); Introductory Biology (MB&B 190); Structure, Symbols, and Patterns (MB&B 117); and Molecular Basis of Life (MB&B 201). The introductory courses for majors (MB&B 205, 206, 215, 216) are also available for students with appropriate backgrounds.

Graduate program. There are currently 24 graduate students in the department and the graduate program is an integral part of the department offerings. Graduate students serve as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses and upper-level undergraduates are encouraged to take graduate-level courses and seminars. Undergraduates who choose to do research in a faculty member's laboratory usually interact closely with the graduate students in that laboratory.

Honors in molecular biology and biochemistry. In order to be considered for departmental honors, a student must:

1. Be an MB&B major and be recommended to the department by a faculty member. It is expected that the student will have a B average (grade-point average 85) in courses credited to the major.

2. Submit either a research thesis, based upon laboratory research, or a library thesis, based upon library research, carried out under the supervision of a member of the department.