Concentration in Molecular and Structural Biology (Bachelor of Science in Molecular Life Sciences)

Students on Summer 2018, Fall 2018, or Spring 2019 requirements MLSMSBCON

Students pursuing the Concentration in Molecular and Structural Biology will develop a contemporary, mechanistic understanding of living systems. Students will build a strong foundation in cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. They also apply molecular and structural approaches to understand protein metabolism, learn about nucleic acid metabolism and epigenetic regulation, and explore bioinformatic approaches to characterizing biomolecules.

Requirements

The concentration requires at least 12 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.

Protein Laboratory. One (1) course:
- BIOT-T 425 Laboratory in Macromolecular Production, Purification, and Characterization
BIOT-T 425 Laboratory in Macromolecular Production, Purification, and Characterization

Credits
3
Prerequisites
CHEM-C 341; and BIOT-T 315, BIOL-L 313, BIOL-L 319, BIOL-L 323, BIOL-L 324, BIOL-M 315, BIOL-M 360, or BIOL-M 435
Description
Develops a working knowledge of a variety of fundamental and advanced protein techniques used in industry, focusing on expression, purification, and characterization. Increases competence in quantitative analysis, data interpretation, problem-solving, scientific writing, and time management.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of BIOL-T 425 or BIOT-T 425.
Bioinformatics. One (1) course:
- MLS-M 388 Digital Biology: A Survey of Topics in Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics
- BIOL-L 388 Digital Biology: A Survey of Topics in Bioinformatics and Genomics
MLS-M 388 Digital Biology: A Survey of Topics in Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics

Credits
3
Prerequisites
BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; or consent of instructor
Description
Bioinformatics covers a wide spectrum of data management, processing and analysis associated with high throughput biological data. Course considers the generation and analysis of biomolecular sequence data describing DNA and proteins that underpin modern biology, including fields such as genetics, evolution and structural biology.
Repeatability
Credit given for one of BIOL-L 388 or MLS-M 388.

BIOL-L 388 Digital Biology: A Survey of Topics in Bioinformatics and Genomics

Credits
3
Prerequisites
BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
Description
Computer science and informatics applications to biology have yielded "bioinformatics," a field of study that covers a wide spectrum of data management and processing associated with large-scale, high-throughput biological data generation. This course surveys topics in the generation and analysis of biomolecular sequence data (DNA and protein) that underpin much of modern biology: genetics, ecology, evolution, population and structural biology.
Protein Metabolism. One (1) course:
- MLS-M 410 Protein Metabolism
MLS-M 410 Protein Metabolism

Credits
3
Prerequisites
BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
Description
Focuses on the mechanisms and enzymes that synthesize, fold, traffic and degrade proteins. Provides a molecular and structural view of key processes such as translation, folding, membrane insertion, vesicular trafficking, post-translational modification and protein degradation. Emphasizes broader principles such as NTP switches as regulators and macromolecular interaction events; explains how cellular architecture underpins function. Describes structural and mechanistic features of protein metabolism in a cellular context.
Electives. One (1) course:
- MLS-M 440 Membranes and Signal Transduction
- MLS-M 450 Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer
MLS-M 440 Membranes and Signal Transduction

Credits
3
Prerequisites
BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
Description
Provides a detailed introduction to membrane physiology from a structural and mechanistic perspective. Considers membranes and membrane-embedded proteins that serve as barriers and gatekeepers to regulate material flow in and out of cells and organelles, act as a capacitor to support chemical energy synthesis, and support signal transduction to respond to environmental cues.

MLS-M 450 Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer

Credits
3
Prerequisites
BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
Description
Focuses on the molecular basis of genome instability, including factors that lead to tumorigenesis and tumor suppression. Studies the action mechanisms and disease relevance of key enzymes, along with available and emerging treatments for cancer.
Concentration GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
1. At least 9 credit hours in the concentration must be completed at the 300–499 level.
2. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the concentration.
3. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the concentration—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
4. Exceptions to concentration requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.