2024-2025 Academic Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Academic and career planning for biochemistry majors and students considering biochemistry as a major. Topics discussed: academic success, careers, diversity and inclusion, graduate school, professional health opportunities, library resources, wellness, undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, and service-learning opportunities. Introduction to biochemistry discipline and faculty. Development of a comprehensive academic plan of study and opportunity for self-awareness/reflection.
Introduction of foundational knowledge on the central tenets of biochemistry and research skills. Development of critical thinking skills and professional development through networks. Collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. Evaluation of literature, use of citation management programs, and development of scientific writing and presentation skills. Data management, visualization, and ethics in the context of biochemistry. Emphasis on teamwork, literature reading, and scientific communication skills.
Short course in fundamentals of the chemistry of living systems. Introduction to major categories of biochemical substances, metabolic pathways, and principles of biochemical information transfer. (No credit for majors).
Fundamental mathematical relationships in biochemistry. Calculations central to the investigation of biochemical phenomena including aqueous chemistry, spectrophotometry, enzyme kinetics and thermodynamics. Introduction to the core calculations used in experimental biochemistry and the strategies employed for solving biochemical problems.
Fundamental aspects of biochemical laboratory measurements. Properties of biomolecules and methods for their isolation, separation, detection and quantification. Calculations required to provide quantitative biomolecular data. Common instrumentation in biochemical laboratories, their principles of operation, and their roles in biochemical assays and measuring biochemical interactions. Overview of on-line resources for biochemical information.
Operation of key equipment found in a biochemistry/molecular biology laboratory (e.g., enzyme kinetics, PCR); analyzes, interpretation and presentation of data acquired in laboratory-based protocols; report of results of experiments; use of laboratory automation for biochemical measurements.
Honors section.
Survey presentation of the basic principles of biochemistry as they apply to biotechnology. Topics covered include protein structure, enzymology, cellular organization, and biochemical regulation. Special emphasis will be given to gene structure, transcription, and translation, cellular organization, and cloning, sequencing, modification and expression of recombinant DNA. Examples will be given of agricultural/medical/industrial applications of cellular and molecular biochemical knowledge. Non-majors only.
Analysis of primary scientific literature using recently published biochemical research articles. Application of the CREATE model (Consider, Read, Elucidate and generate a hypothesis, Analyze and interpret the data, and Think of next Experiment) as a conceptual framework. Evaluation of article data, limitations and broader impacts. Impact of scientific philosophy, experimental design, and peer review in scientific research and publishing. Pre: Junior standing.
Application of academic knowledge and skills to in a work-based experience aligned with post-graduation goals using research-based learning processes. Satisfactory completion of work-based experience often in the form of internship, undergraduate research, co-op, or study abroad; self-evaluation; reflection; and showcase of learning. Pre: Departmental approval of 3900 plan.
A contemporary analysis of the development, utility and application of high-resolution methods for the study and manipulation of the complete genomes of organisms. The use of new techniques for genomic, metabolic and protein engineering (functional genomics), including high-throughput methods and nanotechnology, will be emphasized.
Examination of various career opportunities for biochemists in industry, academia, medicine and related health sciences. Introduction to resources for locating career opportunities, resume preparation and interview skills. Restricted to biochemistry majors. Junior standing required. I
Metabolism and chemistry of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids with emphasis on interactions and comparative aspects of microbial, plant, and animal forms. For students in the biochemistry curriculum and other students interested in a foundation course. (Students are required to have at least a C- in both CHEM 2535 and 2536 to be admitted to BCHM 4115).
Metabolism and chemistry of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids with emphasis on interactions and comparative aspects of microbial, plant, and animal forms. For students in the biochemistry curriculum and other students interested in a foundation course. (Students are required to have at least a C- in both CHEM 2535 and 2536 to be admitted to BCHM 4115). I,II
Presentation of major analytical techniques of importance to biochemistry and molecular biology, including spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, chromatography. Lab study of selected principles and methods used in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Exploration of how chemical signals are produced, transported, and influence microbes (Bacterial and unicellular organism (chemotaxis), plants, and animals (olfactory neuroethology). Applications to cell biology, neurobiology, and ecology. Analysis of the interaction between biochemical communication systems and health (diseases). Management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of large datasets related to biochemical communication, using computational approaches.
Thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics in biological systems, with emphasis on theoretical understanding of experimental biophysical methods. Fundamental concepts in protein and nucleic acid folding, dynamics from bond vibrations to kinetics and diffusion, molecular orbital theory, protein-ligand interactions and associated molecular visualization tools. Computational modeling, calculations, and simulation using both quantum and classical mechanics.
Synthesis and application of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, genomics, physiology, immunology concepts and techniques to address medical and agricultural problems. Gene characterization and manipulation, protein-based drugs, diagnostics, vaccines, transgenic plants/animals. Analysis, critique, application of research in molecular life science.
Honors section.
Honors section.
Print this page.
The PDF will include all information unique to this page.