Course Identification

The course will cover selected aspects of biochemistry, focusing on proteins. The course will be roughly divided into two parts; one dealing with the basic structure and characteristics of proteins, and the "life-cycle" of proteins, from translation to degradation; and the second on biochemical techniques, including protein purification and characterization of enzymes. We will also look at specific biological research questions - including examples from the literature, or related to questions that I am personally acquainted with- and we will look at how the problems were approached using biochemical techniques. We will discuss the importance of developing appropriate assays, developing protein purification protocols, and analysis of the results. Topics will include:

1. Amino acids and Proteins: basic structure and characteristics
2. Protein translation in the ribosomes
3. Protein folding and localization
4. Protein degradation
5. Enzymes: characterization and kinetics
6. Protein purification: expression systems
7. Protein purification: column chromatography
8. Other techniques used in analyzing proteins, such as mass spectrometry

Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of basic concepts of protein structure and function.
2. Comprehend the molecular mechanisms involved in protein translation, folding, localization, and degradation.
3. Comprehend basic techniques and concepts in biochemical analysis of proteins and their function.