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BIOCHEM LAB
CLASS CODE: CHEM 481L CREDITS:  1
DIVISION: PHYSICAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT: CHEMISTRY
GENERAL EDUCATION: This course does not fulfill a General Education requirement.
DESCRIPTION: This lab is designed to introduce students to basic laboratory techniques and thought processes applied in biochemical research with a particular emphasis on proteins and enzymes. Students will learn techniques in protein expression, purification, and characterization including the analysis of enzymatic activity in both natural and mutant proteins. In addition, students will learn to interpret data collected from their experiments, draw reasonable conclusions, and effectively communicate their results with peers through written communication.
TAUGHT: Fall and Winter
CONTENT AND TOPICS: 1. Lab safety, measuring, writing results
2. pH, buffers, solution
3. Spectroscopy, protein and nucleic acid quantification
4. Protein expression, PCR techniques
5. Protein purification
6. Analysis of purified protein
7. Enzyme activity and optimization
8. Enzyme kinetics
9. Quantification of cholesterol and vitamin C
10. Isolation and characterization of plant pigments
11. Two component enzyme systems
12. Advanced techniques in biochemistry
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: Demonstrate safe laboratory techniques when taking scientific measurements and conducting experiments.

Learn laboratory techniques associated with purification, quantification, and characterization, of biomolecules with an emphasis on protein/enzyme analysis.

Conduct biochemical experiments for the purpose of answering specific scientific inquiries, including data collection, data analysis, and the formation of reasonable conclusions.

Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.

Demonstrate an understanding of scientific methodology and experimental design.
REQUIREMENTS:
PREREQUISITES: Previous completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chem 481.
OTHER:
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 2004