Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology (BBMB)

Alan M. Myers, Chair of Department
Distinguished Professors: Beitz, Fromm
University Professors: Hammond
Professors: Atherly, Chitnis, Honzatko, Howell, Kostic, Miller, Myers, Nikolau, Nilsen-Hamilton, Robson, Robyt, Stromer, Thomas, Thornburg
Professors (Adjunct): Barua
Professors (Collaborators): Meyer, Tabatabai
Distinguished Professors (Emeritus): Bremner, Graves, Metzler
University Professors (Emeritus): Horowitz, White
Professors (Emeritus): Applequist, Tipton
Associate Professors: Buss, Huiatt, Shin
Associate Professors (Adjunct): James
Assistant Professors: Andreotti, Culver, Hargrove, Norris

Undergraduate Study

The department offers majors in biochemistry or biophysics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a major in agricultural biochemistry in the College of Agriculture.

Biochemists and biophysicists seek to understand life processes in terms of chemical and physical principles. They conduct research in the frontiers of biology such as metabolic networking; structure and function of enzymes, membranes, and hormones; computational approaches; genomic and proteomic technology; protein engineering; plant biotechnology; muscle structure and function; and the design and evaluation of drugs for the treatment of disease. Biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology provide the basis for much of modern biotechnology. Graduates have opportunities in industry, especially the biotechnology sector, in universities, veterinary medical, and medical schools, and government laboratories. Students who meet the necessary high scholastic standards have the opportunity to continue their studies in a graduate college, medical school, or veterinary medical school.

Graduates of biochemistry, agricultural biochemistry and biophysics understand the chemical principles of biological systems including molecular biology. They have developed laboratory expertise in modern biochemical techniques, including the ability to analyze data and prepare scientific reports. Most have participated in undergraduate research and have developed the skills necessary for both written and oral presentations at a level that will serve the student both within the university and in postgraduate professional life. Graduates have the experience of interacting with persons of different disciplines and cultures. Students have the training in mathematics and physics to solve problems of broad scope in biological, biomedical and environmental sciences and to provide leadership in diverse scientific and technological arenas.

Agricultural Biochemistry Major in the College of Agriculture

For the undergraduate curriculum leading to the degree bachelor of science, see College of Agriculture, Curricula. Agricultural biochemistry is recommended to students interested in the areas of agriculture requiring strong preparation in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, or in preparation for the study of veterinary medicine. Employment opportunities exist in agrochemical industries, and animal and plant biotechnology.

Biochemistry or Biophysics Majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

For the undergraduate curriculum leading to the degree of bachelor of science, see Liberal Arts and Sciences, Curriculum. Biochemistry and biophysics are recommended to students whose career interests involve advanced study or employment in biochemistry or biophysics, or in related areas of the biological or medical sciences.

Undergraduate majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in biochemistry usually have the following basic courses or their equivalents in their programs: BBMB 101, 102, 404, 405 (or 501, 502), 411, 461 or 551; Chem 177M, 177N, 178, 210 (or 211), 211L, 321, 322, 322L, 331, 332, 333L, 334L; Math 165, 166, 265 (or 266); Phys 221, 222; Biol 201, 201L (or 202L or 301L or 302L), 202, 301, 302, and a minimum of 4 additional credits of biological science courses from biology, botany, genetics, microbiology, and zoology. Undergraduate research, BBMB 499, is strongly recommended.

Undergraduate majors in biophysics usually include the following basic courses in their programs: BBMB 101, 461 or 551; Chem 177, 177L, 178, 210 (or 211), 321, 321L (or 322L or Phys 311), 322, 331, 332, Math 165, 166, 265, 266; Phys 221, 222, 324 (or 321), and 232 or Com S 205; Biol 201, 201L (or 202L); Biol 202; and 9 additional credits in 300 or higher level courses in biochemistry, biophysics, biological sciences, chemistry, or physics. BBMB 404, 405 and Biol 301 are recommended in meeting this requirement for students preparing for careers in molecular biophysics. Students wishing a strong preparation for graduate studies are advised to take undergraduate research and further mathematics courses such as 385 and 465.

These lists of courses should not be regarded as statements of fixed requirements or as complete outlines of the work necessary for the major. They are given solely for the convenience of students or advisers who wish to estimate the amount of basic study that may be needed.

Biochemistry and biophysics majors are advised to meet the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement with courses in French, German, or Russian.

See also the B.S./M.S. program under Graduate Study.

The department offers minors in biochemistry in both the College of Agriculture and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which may be earned by credit in BBMB 404, 405, 311 (or 411), and 451 (or Chem 321), plus additional supporting 300 courses in chemistry or biochemistry for a total of 15 credits.

English proficiency requirement: Majors in agricultural biochemistry must complete Engl 104 and 105 and one course in speech fundamentals with a grade of C or better in each of these courses, and complete a communications intensive requirement equivalent to 3 credits from courses within the major. Majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences must complete Engl 104 and 105 and one of the following with a grade of C- or better: (a) Engl 305, 309, or 314; (b) a written report in

BBMB 411, or 499.

Graduate Study

The department offers work for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy with majors in biochemistry and biophysics and with interdepartmental majors in genetics, immunobiology, MCDB (molecular, cellular, and developmental biology), plant physiology, and toxicology. Minor work is offered to students taking major work in other departments.

Prerequisite to graduate work is a sound undergraduate background in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

All graduate students are required by the department to teach as part of their training for an advanced degree.

The department offers a B.S./M.S. program in biochemistry that allows students to obtain both the B.S. and M.S. degrees in five years. The program is open to students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and in the College of Agriculture. Students interested in this program should contact the department office for details. Application for admission to the Graduate College should be made near the end of the junior undergraduate (third) year. Students would begin research for the M.S. thesis during the summer semester after their junior year and are eligible for research assistantships.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 404, 405, 411, 420, 451, 461.

Visit our departmental website at //molebio.iastate.edu/bbhtml/homepage.htm

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students

BBMB 101. Introduction to Biochemical Activities
(1-0) Cr. 1. F. Research activities, career opportunities in biochemistry and biophysics, and an introduction to the structure of biologically important compounds. For students majoring in biochemistry, agricultural biochemistry or biophysics or considering one of these majors.

BBMB 102. Introduction to Biochemistry
(0-2) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in Chem 177 and 177L. Topics in the scientific background of biochemistry, such as macromolecules, metabolism, and catalysis. May include laboratory experiments as well as literature readings and discussion. A significant component is practice in scientific communication. For students majoring in biochemistry, agricultural biochemistry or biophysics or considering one of these majors.

BBMB 221. Structure and Reactions in Biochemical Processes
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Chem 163, 167, or 177. Fundamentals necessary for an understanding of biochemical processes. Primarily for students in agriculture. Not acceptable for credit toward a major in biochemistry or biophysics. Credit for both 221 and Chem 231 may not be applied toward graduation.

BBMB 301. Survey of Biochemistry
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: Chem 231 or 331. A survey of biochemistry: structure and function of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids; enzymology; metabolism; biosynthesis; and selected topics. Not acceptable for credit toward a major in biochemistry or biophysics.

BBMB 311. Biochemistry Laboratory
(1-3) Cr. 2. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 301 or Biol 302. Emphasis on isolation, characterization, and quantification of biological substances. Not acceptable for credit toward a major in biochemistry or biophysics.

BBMB 398. Cooperative Education
Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of the department cooperative education coordinator; junior classification. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

BBMB 404. Biochemistry
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Chem 332. A general overview for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in agricultural, biological, chemical and nutritional sciences. Chemistry of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, vitamins; protein structure; enzymology; carbohydrate metabolism. Credit for both 420 and the 404, 405 sequence may not be applied toward graduation. Nonmajor graduate credit.

BBMB 405. Biochemistry
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 404. A general overview for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in agricultural, biological, chemical, and nutritional sciences. Metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids nucleotides and lipids; formation, turnover, and molecular relationships among DNA, RNA, and proteins; genetic code; regulation of gene expression; selected topics in the molecular physiology of plants and animals. Credit for both 420 and the 404, 405 sequence may not be applied toward graduation. Nonmajor graduate credit.

BBMB 411. General Biochemical Research Techniques
(1-8) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 404 or 501,Chem 210 or 211. Introduction to laboratory techniques for studying biochemistry, including: chromatographic methods; electrophoresis; spectrophotometry; enzyme purification; enzyme kinetics; and characterization of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Nonmajor graduate credit.

BBMB 420. Physiological Chemistry
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Chem 332, BBMB 301 or Biol 302. Structure and function of proteins; enzymology; biological oxidation; chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and nucleic acids; protein synthesis and the genetic code; relationship of biochemistry to selected animal diseases. Biochemistry of higher animals emphasized. Not acceptable for credit toward a major in agricultural biochemistry, biochemistry or biophysics. Credit for both 420 and the 404, 405 sequence may not be applied toward graduation. Nonmajor graduate credit.

BBMB 451. Physical Biochemistry
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: Chem 331, Phys 112 or 222; a previous course in calculus is helpful but not required. Selected topics in physical chemistry in the context of applications to problems in biology, biochemistry and food sciences. Not acceptable for credit toward a major in biochemistry or biophysics. Nonmajor graduate credit.

BBMB 461. Topics in Biophysics
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 451 or Chem 321 or Phys 304. Biological phenomena viewed as problems in physics, with a focus on structure determinations and macromolecular characterization. Nonmajor graduate credit.

BBMB 490. Independent Study
Cr. arr. F.S.SS. Prereq: College of Agriculture: junior or senior classification and permission of instructor; a maximum of 9 credits of 490 may be applied toward graduation; College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: permission of instructor; no more than 9 credits of BBMB 490 may be counted toward graduation.

H. Honors

BBMB 498. Cooperative Education
Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of the department cooperative education coordinator; senior classification. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

BBMB 499. Undergraduate Research
Cr. 1 to 5. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of staff member with whom student proposes to work. Research under senior staff guidance.

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, open to qualified undergraduate students

BBMB 501. Comprehensive Biochemistry
(4-0) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Chem 210 or 211, 322, and 332; a previous course in biochemistry is strongly recommended. Chemical composition of living matter and the chemistry of life processes. Chemical characterization of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; enzymology and co-enzymes; metabolism of carbohydrates; biological oxidations.

BBMB 502. Comprehensive Biochemistry
(4-0) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: 501. Chemical composition of living matter and the chemistry of life processes. Metabolism of lipids, aminoacids, and nucleotides; membrane biochemistry; biosynthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins; gene regulation; selected topics.

BBMB 503. Bioinorganic Chemistry (Same as Chem 503.)
See Chemistry.

BBMB 511. Topics in Experimental Biochemistry
(1-6) Cr. 1 each time taken. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 404 or 501, Chem 210L or 211L. Taught as individual one-credit modules. Modules include:

A. Protein Chemistry

B. Radiosotopes in biochemistry

C. Flow cytometry

D. Monoclonal antibodies

E. Special techniques

BBMB 520. Genetic Engineering (Same as Gen 520.)
See Zoology and Genetics.

BBMB 531. Structure and Reactivity of Biomolecules
(3-0) Cr. 1. F. Five weeks. Prereq: Chem 332. Special properties of reactive groups prevalent in biomolecules and reactions commonly encountered in biochemical studies. A study of reaction types and mechanisms in biochemistry.

BBMB 540. Signal Transduction (Same as Zool 540.)
See Zoology and Genetics.

BBMB 541. Computational Biochemistry
(1-0) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: A previous course in biochemistry is recommended. Computer applications in biochemical research.

BBMB 542. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques (Same as Zool 542.)
See Zoology and Genetics.

BBMB 551. Molecular Biophysics
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Chem 322. An examination of physical methods for the study of molecular structure and organization of biological materials, with emphasis on applications. Spectroscopy, hydrodynamic methods, nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray diffraction.

BBMB 581. Seminar
(1-0) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Short presentations by students and discussion on assigned topics. For entering graduate students.

BBMB 590. Special Topics
F.S.SS. Cr. arr.

BBMB 593. Workshop in Biochemistry and Biophysics
Cr. 1 each time taken. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Graduate workshops in selected topics in biochemistry and biophysics. Credit in this course does not meet the requirement for advanced graduate electives in Biochemistry.

Courses for Graduate Students

BBMB 607. Plant Biochemistry
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2002. Thornburg, Nikolau. Prereq: 405 or 502. Description of unique aspects of plant biochemistry including lipid metabolism, cell wall structure, secondary metabolism, phytoalexin biosynthesis, and plant defenses.

BBMB 615. Molecular Immunology (Same as Gen 615, Micro 615, V MPM 615.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: 405 or 502. Buss. Current topics in molecular aspects of immunology: T and B cell receptors; major histocompatibility complex; antibody structure; immunosuppressive drugs and viruses; and intracellular signalling pathways leading to expression of genes that control and activate immune function.

BBMB 622. Carbohydrate Chemistry
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2002. Robyt. Prereq: 404 or 501. Structure, occurrence, properties, function, and chemical and enzymatic modifications of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins.

BBMB 632. Kinetics of Enzyme Action
(2-0) Cr. 1 or 2. 8 or 16 weeks. Alt. S., offered 2003. Fromm. Prereq: 501. The one-credit version stresses the fundamentals of enzyme kinetics. Topics include integrated rate equations, methods for deriving initial-rate equations, inhibition, product effects, and methods for verifying kinetic mechanisms. The two-credit version covers the same material plus additional topics such as allostery, hysteresis, isotope effects, and complex kinetic mechanisms.

BBMB 642. Mechanisms of Enzymatic Catalysis
(2-0) Cr. 1. First 8 weeks. Alt. F., offered 2001. Robyt. Prereq: 404, 420, or 501. The chemical basis of enzymatic catalysis with emphasis on mechanisms of substrate recognition, general acid-base catalysis and stereoelectronic factors.

BBMB 645. Molecular Endocrinology; Hormones and Growth Factors
(3-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2003. Nilsen-Hamilton and Norris. Prereq: 405, 420, or 502. The endocrine system and mechanism of hormone and growth factor action with emphasis on receptors and signal transduction.

BBMB 652. Protein Chemistry—Chemical Methods
(2-0) Cr. 1. 8 weeks. Alt. S., offered 2002. Graves. Prereq: 404 or 501. Chemical reactions as a means of determining protein structure and biological function.

BBMB 653. Protein Chemistry—Physical Methods
(2-0) Cr. 1. 8 weeks. Alt. S., offered 2002. Staff. Prereq: 404 or 501. Protein structure determination as a means of understanding biological function.

BBMB 660. Membrane Biochemistry
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2001. Chitnis. Prereq: 405 or 502. Protein and lipid constituents of biological membranes. Structure and topography of membrane proteins. Selected topics concerning the membrane proteins involved in diverse biochemical processes, such as energy transduction transport across membranes, neurotransmission and signal transduction.

BBMB 670. Molecular Biology of Muscle (Same as An S 670.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Huiatt, Robson, Stromer. Prereq: 405, 420, or 502. Ultrastructure of muscle; chemistry, structure, function, and molecular biology of muscle proteins. Molecular aspects of muscle contraction, development, and turnover. Cytoskeletal proteins and dynamics.

BBMB 675. Nucleic Acid Structure and Function (Same as Gen 675.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 405 or 502. In-depth discussion of nucleic acid properties, structures and structure/function relationships. Interactions between nucleic acids and proteins will be emphasized.

BBMB 676. Biochemistry of Gene Expression in Eucaryotes (Same as MCDB 676.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 404 or 501, 405 or 502 or Gen 511. Staff. Analysis of the biochemical processes involved in expression of eucaryotic genes and the regulation thereof, including RNA polymerase, transcriptional regulatory proteins, enhancers and silencers, chromosome structure, termination, RNA processing, RNA transport, RNA turnover, translational regulation, protein turnover.

BBMB 681. Advanced Seminar
Cr. 1 each time taken. F.S. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Student presentations.

BBMB 682. Departmental Seminar
Cr. R. F.S. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Staff and visitor presentations.

BBMB 696. Seminar in Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology (Same as Bot 696.)
See Botany.

BBMB 698. Seminar in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (Same as MCDB 698.)
See Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.