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Program Notes
Subject Code for Biochemistry: BCHM
World Wide Web Address: http://healthsci.queensu.ca/liscbchm/biochemistry
Associate Dean, Life Sciences and Biochemistry: Louise Winn
Program Chairs: Robert Campbell
Departmental Office: Botterell Hall, Room 815
Departmental Telephone: 613-533-2900
Departmental E-mail Address: biochem@queensu.ca
Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the structures and chemical processes of molecules in living organisms that interact to form cells, tissues, and whole organisms. The Biochemistry program at Queen’s provides students with in-depth training in a wide range of important topics that are related to these processes, including the mechanisms of cancer progression, cellular communication, and the molecular and chemical basis of infection, inheritance, and disease. The program also offers opportunities for students to explore rapidly expanding fields in molecular genetics, metabolism of biomolecules, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine through hands-on training with professors in research labs.
The first two years of the program provides vital background preparation in Biology, Chemistry (organic, analytical, and physical), Molecular Biology, Math, and Statistical Analysis, to understand the molecules that make up all living things. In the upper years of the program, students receive in-depth exposure to all areas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, including extensive hands-on laboratory experiences. The Biochemistry program has enough flexibility for students to take elective courses offered in other programs within the Faculty of Arts and Science, including the Life Sciences program, for which they are eligible.
The Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences is responsible for Biochemistry Plans (General/Minor (Science), Major, Specialization) and plays a primary role in the Life Sciences Plans (General/Minor (Science), Major, Specialization). For specific information related to the Biochemistry and Life Sciences Programs, please consult the Biochemistry Program and Life Sciences Program entries in the Calendar.
Program Policies
Students pursuing entry into the fourth-year of the Biochemistry Major Plan require a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the core BCHM courses (BCHM 218, BCHM 313, BCHM 315, BCHM 316, and BCHM 317) to access those fourth-year courses required to complete the Plan. See Academic Regulations 2.4 and 2.6.
Students wishing to continue in Biochemistry Specialization Plan (BCHM-P-BSH) in their fourth-year must:
- achieve a minimum GPA in the core BCHM courses (see above) of 2.9 and
- acceptance into the Plan.
Students who secure a research project but do not attain the minimum GPA of 2.9 will not be allowed to enrol in BCHM 421 and BCHM 422 but will be allowed to complete the Biochemistry Major Plan.
Laboratory Safety
Departmental Safety Rules are strictly enforced. A standard white laboratory coat is required for all laboratory courses. Shoes must be closed at both heel and toe. Additional safety requirements will be described at the first laboratory in each laboratory-based course.
Advice to Students
Students should seek academic counselling from the staff in the Associate Dean’s office or from the counsellor listed below.
| Course Prefix | Counsellor | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| BCHM | Robert Campbell | robert.campbell@queensu.ca |
| BCHM and LISC | Louise Winn | lifesci@queensu.ca |
| BCHM and LISC | Beatriz Sugarman | biochem@queensu.ca |
| BCHM and LISC | Katherine Rudder | lifesci@queensu.ca |
Biochemistry Plans
The flagship program is the Biochemistry Specialization Plan (BCHM-P-BSH), which is recommended for students who wish to gain in-depth training in modern experimental Biochemistry and Biochemical processes involved in human health and disease. This program culminates in an intensive fourth-year thesis research project. It equips students with a solid foundation for entry into a variety of science-based graduate programs. Students may access this Plan at the start of their fourth year, on securing a research project.
The Biochemistry Major Plan (BCHM-M-BSH) is designed for those students who want comprehensive training in Biochemistry but may wish to pursue interests outside of experimental Biochemistry. This option provides flexibility for students to take a minor in another subject. To accommodate these interests there are opportunities for more elective credits in the final year of the program. Typically, students interested in pursuing alternate plans than graduate studies in experimental Biochemistry should enrol in this Plan.
Courses
Chemical principles as applied to biochemistry, human and clinical biochemistry.
NOTE Primarily intended for students in Nursing, Life Sciences, or Biochemistry programs. Other Arts and Science students require permission of the Department to enrol.
Molecules and macromolecules that participate in the replication and expression of genes. Current methods for exploring the structure, function, and manipulation of genetic material.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult the Bachelor of Health Sciences program office.
LEARNING HOURS may vary. 120 (36L;12T;72P)
EQUIVALENCY MBIO 218/3.0.
This course will introduce general biochemical concepts that will allow for an understanding of the biological and chemical principles underlying human physiology, health and disease. The course will provide self-paced learning and utilize evidence-based teaching principles, small group learning, peer-learning and guided-independent learning methodologies to provide an inclusive learning environment. Students will gain an enhanced appreciation of general applications of biochemistry as applied in day to day healthy life and during the disease states, diagnosis and clinical management of metabolic disorders.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult the Bachelor of Health Sciences program office.
NOTE This introductory biochemistry online course is intended for prospective students in Nursing, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Commerce, and general science programs.
NOTE May not be taken for credit towards the Plan requirements of the BCHM or LISC Specialization or Major Plans.
Principles of protein biochemistry, enzymology, and protein engineering. Metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and lipids. Role of coenzymes. Generation and storage of metabolic energy. Principles of regulatory mechanisms, membrane structure and function, hormone action, and cellular signalling.
NOTE Students lacking the prerequisites CHEM 222/3.0 or CHEM 282/3.0 may take these courses as a corequisite with permission of the Department.
This course will provide an in depth view of the molecular mechanisms controlling how genes are organized, regulated and expressed in mammalian cells. Once you understand how proteins are made, you will learn a variety of approaches to visualize and measure proteins and enzymatic activities in mammalian cells.
NOTE If you have taken or are currently registered in BCHM 310/9.0 you may contact the department for permission to enrol.
Principles of protein biochemistry, enzymology, and protein engineering.
NOTE Students lacking the prerequisites CHEM 222 or CHEM 282 may take these courses as a corequisite with permission of the Department.
Metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and lipids. Role of coenzymes. Generation and storage of metabolic energy. Principles of regulatory mechanisms, membrane structure and function, hormone action, and cellular signalling.
Application of separation and assay techniques to the study of proteins, metabolism and molecular biology. Attendance required in both terms. Enrollment will be limited because of laboratory constraints, and selection will be based on academic standing.
Application of separation and essay techniques to the study of proteins, metabolism and molecular biology.
NOTE This course is for outgoing Biochemistry Honours exchange students who are not able to obtain the equivalent of BCHM 317/6.0 when on exchange.
An introduction to the field of applied genomics for identifying genes underlying multi-factorial traits, diseases, and drug treatment outcomes. Basic principles of gene mapping studies will be covered in the context of recent advances in the field including statistical methods, and integrative analyses of biological datasets.
Notes: Also offered online
LEARNING HOURS may vary: 120(48O;72P)
This course presents an integrated approach to the study of protein function. Topics include proteomic techniques, mass spectrometry, protein purification, imaging, surface plasmon resonance, calorimetry, bioinformatics and protein evolution, protein modifications and processing, interpretation and applications of 3-D structure, and structure-function relationships.
NOTE Offered jointly with BMED 810/3.0. Students in a LISC or BMCO Plan should contact the Department regarding prerequisites and permission to register.
This course concentrates on the molecular biology of mammalian models particularly mechanisms involved in human diseases. The human genome project, forensic analysis, DNA diagnostics of human diseases, models of transcriptional and growth regulation and cancer, DNA repair, RNA processing and translation are all discussed. Emphasis on recent findings and course materials will be drawn from current reviews.
NOTE Offered jointly with BMED 811/3.0. Students in a LISC or BMCO Plan should contact the Department regarding prerequisites and permission to register.
Biochemical research techniques with emphasis on nucleic acids, protein structure and function, regulation of gene expression and metabolic control processes.
NOTE 6.0-unit course offered in the Fall Term.
An independent research project by each student in one of the departmental research labs. Evaluation is based on oral presentation, lab performance and a thesis.
NOTE 6.0-unit course offered in the Fall Term.
Principles of regulatory mechanisms; regulation of cellular function and growth by oncogenes, growth factors, isoprenoids and steroid hormones. Receptors, second messengers and protein phosphorylation. Correlation of cell ultrastructure with biochemical function. Description of the components, assembly, metabolism and evolution of cellular structures are described.
NOTE Offered jointly with BMED 832/3.0. Students in a LISC Plan should contact the Department regarding prerequisites and permission to register.
Tutorials, assignments and demonstrations in important subjects in biochemistry emphasizing topics of broad interest. Particular emphasis will be paid to the applications of biochemical knowledge and new technologies.
NOTE Students in the BCHM Specialization Plan registered in BCHM 421 and BCHM 422 will not be allowed to register in BCHM 441; Students in the LISC Specialization Plan registered in one of ANAT 499, CANC 499, EPID 499, LISC 499, MICR 455, MICR 499, NSCI 499, PATH 499, PHAR 499or PHGY 499 will not be allowed to register in BCHM 441.
Seminars, assignments and demonstrations focused on important subjects in biochemistry, emphasizing the scientific pipeline, from discovery to commercialization. Particular emphasis will be placed on applications of biochemical knowledge and new technologies.
NOTE Students in the BCHM Major Plan registered in BCHM 441/3.0 will not be allowed to register in BCHM 442/3.0.
This course will focus on the principles of proteomics and metabolomics and their application in the new systems biology `omics approach to scientific discovery. This course will emphasize both the methodologies used in proteomics and metabolomics, as well as their applications in both research, medical diagnostics, and disease management.
NOTE: Only offered online. Consult the Bachelor of Health Sciences program office.