Biochemistry & Cell Biology Advising Packet Fall ... - Rice University

The Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Undergraduate Advising Information (Fall 2013)
Packet Contents:
Introduction to the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology .............................. 3
Biochemistry and Cell Biology Advisors ..................................................................... 4
Getting Started in Biochemistry and Cell Biology ....................................................... 5
Courses Accessible to Freshmen .................................................................................. 6
Comparison of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Department Majors ........................... 7
Sample Course Sequence for the BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology ..................... 8
Major Requirements for the BS Biochemistry and Cell Biology ................................. 9
Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry and Cell Biology ...................................... 10
Finding and Securing Research Opportunities ........................................................... 11
Biochemistry and Cell Biology Faculty ...................................................................... 12
Frequently Asked Questions and Tips for Planning the Major .................................. 14
Follow BCB!
Website: http://biochem.rice.edu (advising/courses/majors/research information can be found here)
Owl-Space: https://owlspace-ccm.rice.edu/portal (log on and join “BCB Opportunities”)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Rice.Biochemistry.Cell.Biology

Introduction to the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
The Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology offers a broad range of courses in the biosciences,
including advanced courses in biochemistry, biophysics, cancer biology, cell biology, developmental
biology, endocrinology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, plant
biology, physical chemistry, and virology. Students may choose to pursue a BS or BA in Biochemistry and
Cell Biology, a BA in Biological Sciences, or a Minor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology.
The Biochemistry and Cell Biology BS and BA degree paths are designed for students pursuing a wide
range of careers in the life sciences, typically leading to graduate, medical, or other professional school. Both
paths are designed to emphasize a broad understanding of cell biology and biochemistry, provide room for
exploration anywhere in the Natural Sciences or Engineering, and culminate in one (BA) or two (BS)
required 400-level capstone courses incorporating primary scientific literature, presentations, and writing.
The BA offers greater flexibility with two fewer courses (including a choice of 300-level core courses). The
BS offers greater coverage and depth, with a complete 300-level core and an additional 400-level capstone
course.
Biological Sciences BA is also designed for students pursuing a wide range of careers in the life sciences,
typically leading to graduate or professional school; however, unlike the BCB majors, the Biological
Sciences BA is designed to emphasize a broad understanding of the full range of biological disciplines. The
BA in Biological Sciences may not be combined with any other biosciences degree (i.e., BA Biochemistry
and Cell Biology, BA Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, BS Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BS Ecology
and Evolutionary Biology, Minor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, or Minor in Ecology and Evolutionary
Biology). The Biological Sciences BA is jointly managed by the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary
Biology and the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.
Minor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology is intended for those with an interest in the life sciences but who
may be majoring in other areas. This minor incorporates many of the life science core courses required for
the health professions.
3

Biochemistry and Cell Biology Advisors
(advisor photos are in order of their contact listing below)
Advisors for Prospective Students, Freshmen and Undeclared Sophomores
These advisors communicate with incoming students and advise freshmen and sophomores formally and
informally. They are here to assist prospective majors and others such as premedical students who need
specific information about our programs, lecture courses, and laboratory courses.
Dr. Beth Beason Abmayr: 326 Anderson Biological Labs; x2535; bbeason@rice.edu
Dr. Liz Eich: 342 Anderson Biological Labs; x6144; lizmc@rice.edu
Dr. Kathy Matthews: 203 Keck Hall; x4871; ksm@rice.edu
Dr. James McNew: 713 Bioscience Research Collaborative; x3133; mcnew@rice.edu
Dr. Dereth Phillips: 340 Anderson Biological Labs; x2343; derethp@rice.edu
Dr. Alma Novotny: 344 Anderson Biological Labs; x4015; novotnya@rice.edu
Dr. Yousif Shamoo: 332 Keck Hall; x5493: shamoo@rice.edu
Dr. Weiwei Zhong: W200P George R. Brown Hall; x2307; weiwei.zhong@rice.edu
Advisors for Declaring or Declared Majors (advisors are assigned by first letter of your last name)
Dr. Kate Beckingham: W130 GBH; x4016; kate@rice.edu (names beginning with A-H)
Dr. Dave Caprette: 327 Anderson Biological Labs; x3498; caprette@rice.edu (names beginning with I-P)
Dr. Charles Stewart: W104 GBH; x4926, crs@rice.edu (names beginning with Q-Z)
Advisor for Special Issues: Study Abroad or Transfer Credit:
Dr. George Bennett: 813 BRC; x4920; gbennett@rice.edu
BCB Department Coordinator
Monica Roberts (mr19@rice.edu)
4

Getting Started in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Courses to take first
Upper level courses in the BCB major are built on a series of fundamental courses that must be taken as
prerequisites for most advanced courses. For this reason, it is important to take the following courses during
your first year (or transfer in AP credit for them).
• Bioc 201
• Bioc 111*,
• general chemistry and lab (CHEM 121/122/123/124)
If you are a Biological Sciences major you also will need to take:
• Ebio 202
• Ebio 213
See the following information on “Courses Accessible to Freshmen” to view additional courses you can take
your freshman year if you complete or AP out of these.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Undergraduate research opportunities in the Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology are available and
highly encouraged as an important part of a thorough education in the biological sciences. Undergraduates
may begin their research experience even as early as their freshman year by finding and securing a research
position (either on a volunteer basis or for credit through the course, Bioc 310 (www.bioc.rice.edu/bioc310).
Be aware that prospective research advisors often prefer students who can demonstrate competence either
through prior experience or completion of a teaching laboratory course, such as BIOC 111* or BIOC 211*.
BIOC 111 (or equivalent) is a prerequisite for BIOC 310 research.
BCB Opportunities Owl-Space Site
On this “joinable” site we post BCB departmental information and various biology-related opportunities that
we encounter. Examples include: information sessions, research opportunities, summer internship programs,
fellowships, jobs, study abroad, etc. This site and mailing list is a great way to hear about biological and
biomedical research opportunities on and off the Rice campus. To join, log on to your Owl-Space account
and go to “My Workspace”-> “Membership” -> “Joinable Sites” and select BCB Opportunities. Note: this
site is not just for research information but also serves as a general source for BCB major information as
well.
*Please see instructions for Bioc 111/211 registration and placement exam at the following site:
(http://www.clear.rice.edu/bioc111/).
5

Courses Accessible to Freshmen
BIOC 111 Fundamentals of Experimental Biology (offered Fall and Spring, 1 credit hour)
Introduction to basic laboratory skills, including pipetting, solutions, dilutions, spectrophotometry, aseptic technique,
record keeping, and similar basic laboratory activities. Work will consist of short investigative projects. This course is
recommended for students with very limited practical laboratory experience. Students wishing to take BIOC 211 must
take this course or test out of it. www.clear.rice.edu/bioc111/
BIOC 115 Freshman Seminar in Local Biology Research (offered Fall and Spring, 1 credit hour)
A 7-week seminar course to introduce freshmen prospective biologists to the excitement of research at Rice and the
Medical Center. Small groups will meet weekly with a researcher to explore a published research article by a local lab,
meet researchers, and tour labs at Rice and the Medical Center. All first-year non-transfer students are eligible to enroll
in BIOC 115/FSEM 115 regardless of AP credit. Meets in the second half of each semester.
www.bioc.rice.edu/bioc115/
FWIS 121: The Body Against Itself: Autoimmune Disease and Diagnosis (Fall only, 3 credit hours)
Autoimmune diseases are chronic, incurable illnesses in which the immune defenses of the body destroy its own tissues.
This course explores the medical and social ramifications of these illnesses and introduces students to clinical diagnosis
through the assessment, presentation, and interpretation of specific diagnostic data. FWIS 121 is designed to help
students develop clear critical writing in the context of both matters of opinion and matters of scientific fact.
FWIS 160: Demystifying Bioscience for the Public (Spring only, 3 credit hours)
Scientists make discoveries that change our world, but those leaps forward can also generate fear and misunderstanding
among the general public. Improving communication between scientists and the lay public will help remove the air of
mystery from laboratory research. To those ends, we will teach students to be scientific translators, taking information
from scientists and presenting it in lay terms.
BIOC 122 Fundamental Concepts in Biology (offered Fall and Spring, 3 credit hours)
For non-majors. An introduction to the nature of science, living organisms, biomolecules, cells, tissues, systems,
evolution and possible origin of life on earth, and genetics, followed by topics of current interest presented by local
researchers. Students will develop critical thinking skills that are needed to assess the social/political/economic impact
of past and current research, research applications, and scientific theories.
BIOC 201 Introductory Biology (Fall and Spring, 3 credit hours)
Chemistry and energetics, cell physiology, cell biology, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, developmental
biology, and plant physiology.
BIOC 211 Intermediate Experimental Biosciences (offered Fall and Spring, 2 credit hours)
Introduction to scientific method, principles of experimental design, selected research strategies, record keeping, and
technical communication as related to biological science. Eligible freshmen are encouraged to enroll in Spring semester.
Prerequisites: BIOC 201 and BIOC 111 (or passed pre-lab exam http:// www.clear.rice.edu/bioc111/)
BIOC 300 Paradigms in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Spring only, 3 credit hours)
Designed for BIOC majors and minors and recommended strongly for students with Advanced Placement in Biology
and students wanting additional foundation before transitioning to the other 300-level BIOC courses. BIOC 300 will
examine paradigms in Biochemistry and Cell Biology with a specific focus on the “central dogma” of molecular
biology. The course will utilize as a text the first eight chapters in The Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts), the
balance of which will be covered in BIOC 341. In addition, this course will examine both historic and contemporary
research papers. Using a newly designed “flipped” format, lectures will be available on-line, and in-class activities will
address confusions/questions, examine research articles, explore cases and problems, and engage students in short
writing assignments. These activities are designed to deepen understanding of the topics.
BIOC 335 Cellular and Molecular Animal Physiology (Spring only, 3 credit hours)
This course will investigate animal physiology from a cellular and molecular perspective using a
comparative approach. Students will explore the physiological concepts underlying aerobic and anaerobic
metabolism, thermoregulation, osmoregulation, kidney function, and other mechanisms involved in
maintaining homeostasis. Prerequisite: BIOC 201
6

Comparison of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Department Majors
Category BA BCB BS BCB BCB-minor BA Biol Sci
Math/Stat
Physics
Intro Chem
Orgo Chem
Intro Bio
Labs
MATH 101*/102 MATH 101*/102 MATH 101*/102 MATH 101*/102
MATH 211 MATH 211
MATH 211, STAT 305
or EBIO 338
PHYS 125/126
or PHYS 101/102
or PHYS 111/112
CHEM
121*/122*/123*/124*
CHEM
211*/212*/215
PHYS 125/126
or PHYS 101/102
or PHYS 111/112
CHEM
121*/122*/123*/124*
CHEM
211*/212*/215
PHYS 125/126
or PHYS 101/102
or PHYS 111/112
CHEM
121*/122*/123*/124*
CHEM
211*/212*/215
PHYS 125/126
or PHYS 101/102
or PHYS 111/112
CHEM
121*/122*/123*/124*
CHEM
211*/212*/215
BIOC 201 BIOC 201 BIOC 201 BIOC 201
EBIO 202
BIOC 211 (prereq.
BIOC 111 or test out)
BIOC 211 (prereq.
BIOC 111 or test out )
Adv Labs BIOC 311 BIOC 311
2 BIOC labs >300 2 BIOC labs >300
level*
level*
BIOC 211 (prereq.
BIOC 111 or test out)
BIOC 211 (prereq.
BIOC 111 or test out )
EBIO 213
3 Adv labs
(EBIO or BIOC)*
BCB Lec BIOC 301 BIOC 301 BIOC 301 BIOC 301
BIOC 302
1 of these 4:
2 of these 3:
BIOC 344
BIOC 302, 341, 344, or
BIOC 302, 344, 352*
BIOC 352*
352
BIOC 341 BIOC 341 BIOC 341
EEB Lec
Bios Lec
Nat Sci Lec
2 Nat Sci/Eng >300**
(>3cr hrs ea.)
2 Nat Sci/Eng >300**
(>3 cr hrs ea.)
1 BIOC >300 level
(>3cr hrs)
1 BIOC >300 level**
(>3cr hrs)
3 EBIO >300 level**
(>3cr hrs ea.)
1 BIOC or EBIO >300
level **
(>3cr hrs)
SR Capstone
1 BIOC 400 level*
(>3cr hrs)
2 BIOC 400 level*
(>3 cr hrs ea.)
* Acceptable substitutions:
Ø MATH 111 and 112 (combined) may be substituted for MATH 101
Ø CHEM 151, 152, 153, and 154 may be substituted for CHEM 121, 122, 123, and 124
Ø CHEM 251 and 252 may be substituted for CHEM 211 and 212
Ø CHEM 310 or CHEM 311 and 312 may be substituted for BIOC 352
Ø If taken for 3 or more credits, BIOC 310, BIOC 401/402/412 or HONS 470/471 may substitute for one 300-level lab (not
BIOC 311) toward the BA and BS in BCB. This substitution may be used only once regardless of the number of semesters
of BIOC 310, 401. 402, 412 or HONS 470/471 taken.
Ø BIOC 310 or EBIO 306 (if taken for 2 or more credits), HONS 470/471, BIOC 412, or BIOC 393 may substitute for an
advanced lab toward the BA in Biological Sciences.
Ø BIOC 401/402/412 counts as a single 400-level course in the BCB BA and BS
Ø Other substitutions may be permissible. Please consult the GA or your major advisor for details
** Must be a lecture course, not an independent research course
This document was created to simplify, but not supersede, information found in the General Announcements. In the event of
discrepancies, the General Announcements are to be considered the final authority on the requirements of the various majors offered
by the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.
7

Sample Course Sequence for the BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
This is one example of many possible schedules. Major requirements are in BOLD. Consult a Divisional or
Biochemistry and Cell Biology Major advisor to customize your degree plan. This sample assumes no AP credit.
FALL
SPRING
FRESHMAN 15 16
BIOC 201 – Introductory Biology I 3 BIOC 211 – Exp. Biosci. Lab (1 st half sem) 2
CHEM 121 – General Chemistry I
and CHEM 123 lab
3
1
CHEM 122 – General Chemistry II
and CHEM 124 lab
3
1
MATH 101 – Single Var. Calculus I 3 MATH 102 – Single Var. Calculus II 3
BIOC 111 – Lab Fundamentals (or pass out) 1 OPEN – Open elective (BIOC 300**) 3
BIOC/FSEM 115 — (optional, 2 nd half sem) 1 DIST – Distribution course 3
FWIS/DIST – FWIS/Distribution course 3 LPAP – Lifetime Phys Activity elective 1
SOPHOMORE 16 18
BIOC 341 – Cell Biology 3 BIOC 344 – Genetics 3
PHYS 125 – General Physics I 4 PHYS 126 – General Physics II 4
CHEM 211 – Organic Chemistry I 3 CHEM 212 – Organic Chemistry II 3
MATH 211 – Diff. Eq. 3 and CHEM 215 – Organic Lab 2
DIST – Distribution course 3 DIST – Distribution course 3
DIST – Distribution course 3
JUNIOR 17 18
BIOC 301 – Biochemistry I 3 BIOC 302 – Biochemistry II 3
NATSCI/ENG 300+ elective 3 NATSCI/ENG 300+ elective 3
BIOC 311 – Advanced Exp. Biosciences 2 BIOC 310 – Independent research (OPEN) 3
BIOC 310 – Independent research (adv lab*) 3 DIST – Distribution course 3
DIST – Distribution course 3 OPEN—Open elective 3
OPEN – Open elective 3 OPEN – Open elective 3
SENIOR 16 15
BIOC 400-level elective*** 3 BIOC 400-level elective 3
BIOC 300+ level lab* 1 BIOC 352 – Physical Chemistry for Biosci. 3
BIOC 310 Independent Research (OPEN) 3 BIOC 310 – Independent Research (OPEN) 3
DIST – Distribution course 3 OPEN – Open elective 3
OPEN – Open elective 3 OPEN – Open elective 3
OPEN – Open elective 3
Credit totals in this sample: Major requirements (71 hours), Outside of major (60 hours) = 131 total hours
*Two advanced labs are needed. Independent research (BIOC 310, BIOC 401/402/412, HONS 470/471) can substitute
for one of the advanced labs. This lab substitution can only be used only once in your Rice career.
**This course is recommended for students who have AP credit for BIOC 201 and those wanting additional foundation
before taking the other 300-level BIOC courses. BIOC 300 will fulfill a NATSCI/ENG 300+ elective if taken before
other 300-level BIOC courses.
***400-level courses have limited enrollment and spring sections fill quickly. Students are advised to take at
least one in the fall to make sure that they are able to complete this requirement before graduation.
General Notes:
• Difference between BA and BS: The BA in Biochemistry and Cell Biology requires one fewer 400-level elective
than BS and requires only two of the following courses: BIOC 302, BIOC 344, BIOC 352.
• Offered both Fall and Spring: BIOC 111, BIOC 115, BIOC 211, BIOC 310, BIOC 311. Other courses may offer
sections both semesters. Check the schedule each year to verify.
• Common prerequisites for BIOC 300/400-level lecture and lab electives (take these early): BIOC 111, BIOC
211, BIOC 201, CHEM 211, BIOC 301, BIOC 341, and BIOC 344
See the General Announcements (http://ga.rice.edu/) or the BCB Department web site for more details and for a
listing of current courses.
8

Major Requirements for the BS Biochemistry and Cell Biology
NUMBER CREDIT TITLE
MATH 101 or 111/112 3-6 Single Variable Calculus I
MATH 102 3 Single Variable Calculus II
MATH 211 3 Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
PHYS 125, 101, or 111 3-4 General Physics I or Mechanics (with lab)
PHYS 126, 102, or 112 4 General Physics II or Electricity & Magnetism (with lab)
CHEM 121 or 151 3 General/Honors Chemistry I
CHEM 122 or 152 3 General/Honors Chemistry II
CHEM 123 or 153 1 General/Honors Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 124 or 154 1 General/Honors Chemistry Lab II
CHEM 211 or 251 3 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 212 or 252 3 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 215 2 Organic Chemistry Lab
BIOC 111 (or test out) 1 Fundamentals of Experimental Biology
BIOC 201 3 Introductory Biology
BIOC 211 2 Intermediate Experimental Biosciences
BIOC 301 3 Biochemistry I
BIOC 302* 3 Biochemistry II
BIOC 311 2 Advanced Experimental Biosciences lab
BIOC 341 3 Cell Biology
BIOC 344* 3 Molecular Biology and Genetics
BIOC 352* 3 Physical Chemistry for the Biosciences
BIOC lab elective 1 1-4 300+level lab from approved list
BIOC lab elective 2 1-4 300+level lab from approved list
NSCI/ENG 300+ 3 Any 300+level Science/Engineering course
NSCI/ENG 300+ 3 Any 300+level Science/Engineering course
BIOC 4xx 3 400-level BIOC Capstone
BIOC 4xx* 3 400-level BIOC Capstone
*The BA in Biochemistry and Cell Biology requires one fewer 400-level elective and requires only two of the following
courses: BIOC 302, BIOC 344, BIOC 352
Some general graduation requirements for all Rice students
• Complete at least 60 hours of coursework outside of the major
• Complete at least 120 semester hours (BCB majors typically complete more than 120 hours)
• Complete at least 48 hours of all degree work in upper-level courses (at the 300 level or higher)
• Complete all Rice courses satisfying degree requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at
least 1.67 or higher
• Complete all Rice courses that satisfy major and/or minor requirements (as designated by the
department) with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 or higher.
• Satisfy the Writing and Communication requirement
• Complete one Lifetime Physical Activity Program (LPAP) course for one credit. Students with
disabilities may make special arrangements to satisfy this requirement.
• Complete courses to satisfy the distribution requirements (12 credits D1 and 12 credits D2 (D3 covered
in BCB major))
9

Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Undergraduate research is an important component of BCB program, and, while not required for the major,
undergraduate research can enhance the undergraduate experience and provide opportunities for career
development. The undergraduate research program in Biochemistry and cell biology has been designed to
flow from observation through participation. Students are encouraged to seek our undergraduate research
opportunities whenever they are ready. A freshman seminar (Bioc 115) and a lab fundamentals course (Bioc
111) are designed to provide students with the exposure and basic skills to navigate early entry into labs. The
following courses offer opportunities to experience and participate in active research programs at Rice and in
the Texas Medical Center.
BIOC 115: Freshman Seminar in Local Biology Research
This mini seminar is most easily summarized as "read the paper, tour the lab." Students read two primary
research articles guided by written homework and class discussion. The featured article for each section is
from a Rice lab and the course culminates in a reception and tour of the featured lab (featured labs differ for
each section). Four additional activities and tours include a scientific seminar, a tour of the instructor’s lab, a
tour of a medical center department, and a science-related movie screening. The course takes place during
the 2 nd half of each semester. Enrolment is only open to first-year college students (not transfers).
www.bioc.rice.edu/bios115/
BIOC 310: Independent Research in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
This is a research-for-credit course in which students perform research in faculty labs in the Rice University
Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and elsewhere in the Texas Medical Center, prepare a research
proposal, weekly reports and a research paper (Fall) or poster (Spring), and receive course credit for their
effort. Students may perform research in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology Department or off-campus in the
Texas Medical Center (TMC). Those intending to participate in BCB undergraduate research should take the
prelab exam ASAP so that they can begin the BCB lab sequence (http://www.clear.rice.edu/bioc111/).
Prerequisites are BIOC 111 or BIOC 211. Please read the Bioc 310 manual for complete course information
and requirements. (www.bioc.rice.edu/bioc310/)Note: Students wishing to perform their Bioc 310 research off
campus must submit an application to the Bioc 310 instructor, Dr. Dereth Phillips (derethp@rice.edu), at least 2 weeks
before the start of the semester for permission to enroll. The Bioc 310 off-campus may be obtained from the Bioc 310
website. Students working off campus may not take Bioc 310 for fewer than 3 credit hours (9 hours of research/week).
BIOC 401/402/412: Honors Research in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
The Biochemistry and Cell Biology Honors Research Program is a suite of courses offering our seniors and
advanced juniors the opportunity to perform a two-semester, individual research project in a research
laboratory in Biochemistry & Cell Biology or elsewhere in the TMC. This immersive program is intended to
give a first-hand experience of what a career in research would entail. Students interested in graduate school
are strongly encouraged to apply for consideration for honors research. Information and application at:
http://biochem.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=191
BCB-Opportunities Owl-Space site
On this “joinable” site we post various biology-related opportunities that we encounter. Examples include:
research opportunities, summer internship programs, fellowships, jobs, study abroad, etc. This site and
mailing list is a great way to hear about biological and biomedical research opportunities on and off the Rice
campus. To join, log on to your Owl-Space account and go to “My Workspace”-> “Membership” ->
“Joinable Sites” and select BCB Opportunities.
10

Finding and Securing Research Opportunities
Think about the sorts of research that may be of interest to you and talk to students and advisors in that
area of research. Explore on your own by searching through different research departments at Rice or in the
Texas Medical Center. You can learn about the research in a particular department by going to the “Faculty”
or “People” tab and clicking through the various faculty names and research statements. At the same time,
join the BCB Opportunities Owl-Space site to receive information about research opportunities at Rice and
elsewhere. (Log on to Owl-Space and select the following: “My Workspace”-> “Membership” -> “Joinable
Sites” and select BCB Opportunities). When you have found a lab(s) of interest, scan through recent
research articles from that lab and contact the professor to express your interest. (Before contacting the
professor, it may be helpful to read the Bioc 310 course manual to get a feel for the expectations of an
undergraduate researcher. www.bioc.rice.edu/bioc310/). Determine the nature of your internship
(volunteer, for pay, for credit, for one semester/summer, for multiple years). If you are interested in receiving
credit for your research, contact the instructor of the research-for-credit/independent study course in the
appropriate department. Links to the BCB department and to various off-campus departments may be found
on the off-campus portion of the Bioc 310 website.
Independent research in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and beyond.
Once you have found a research position, you may be eligible to receive course credit in an appropriate
department. All of the following courses may be taken by permission only. Please contact the course
instructors for additional details and requirements.
BIOC 310—Biochemistry and Cell Biology
EBIO 306—Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
BIOE 400/401—Bioengineering
CHBE 500—Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
NEUR 485—Neuroscience
CHEM 491—Chemistry
KINE/HEAL 495/496 —Kinesiology/Health Sciences
HONS 470/471 (RUSP) —Office of Fellowships and Undergrad. Research, for all majors
UNIV 301—University-wide, zero-credit, for all majors, all types of projects qualify
Find the course number/department that best matches your research interests. Most departments, including
those not listed here, have an independent study/research course.
Note for those interested in the health professions: There are many types of research that can improve
human health outside of the biological sciences (health disparities economics, medical sociology, psychology
of addiction, etc.). For the most fulfilling research experience, make sure to pursue the research that most
interests you rather than that which you perceive is desired by med schools.
Biochemistry and Cell Biology undergraduate research contact information:
Dereth Phillips, Ph.D., instructor: Bioc 115 and Bioc 310, master: McMurtry College
office: 340 Anderson Biological Labs, email: derethp@rice.edu
11

Biochemistry and Cell Biology Faculty
BCB Research and Teaching Faculty
Bonnie Bartel
Genetics of peroxisome function and auxin regulation and
responses in Arabidopsis development
Kathleen M. Beckingham
Genes controlling behavior and gravity sensing in
Drosophila; calcium signaling in Drosophila; studies of the
calcium sensor proteins Calmodulin and Androcam and of
and behavior related gene using in vivo molecular genetic
approaches and in vitro biochemical and biophysical
approaches
George N. Bennett
Regulation of stress responses in bacterial systems;
development of DNA tools for genomic studies;
biodegradation by microbes; metabolic engineering and
synthetic biology
Matthew Bennett
Experimental and theoretical molecular systems biology
using both bacteria and yeast as model systems
Janet Braam, Chair
Circadian rhythms in plants; functions of calmodulin-like
proteins and cell wall modifying enzymes; perception, signal
transduction and gene expression regulation in response to
environmental stimuli
Dan Carson, Dean of Natural Sciences
Expression and function of cell surface components
participating in and regulating cellular interactions in
developing embryos and various tumor cell models
Mary C. Farach-Carson
The role of extracellular matrix in the progression of cancer;
the use of proteoglycans in the engineering of connective
tissues
Michael C. Gustin
Molecular genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology of stressactivated
protein kinase pathways and nitric oxide sensing
mechanisms in yeast; development of novel rotavirus vaccine
Peter Lwigale
Molecular regulation of cell migration during eye
development and cornea regeneration
12

Kathleen S. Matthews
Structure and function of genetic regulatory proteins
James McNew
Molecular mechanism of biological membrane fusion;
functional reconstitution of exocytosis; role of SNARE
regulator proteins in membrane fusion; peroxisome
biogenesis and function in Drosophila melanogaster
Edward P. Nikonowicz
NMR spectroscopy of RNA and RNA-protein interactions -
correlation of structure, function, and dynamics; structural
and dynamics studies of phage regulatory elements; structural
studies of rRNA protein recognition sites; isotopic
enrichment structure and thermodynamic studies of basemodified
tRNAs
John S. Olson
Biochemical, biophysical, and physiological properties of
myoglobins, hemoglobins, flavohemoglobins, and red blood
cells; genetic engineering of heme protein based blood
substitutes; enhancement of recombinant hemoglobin
expression in bacteria; application of rapid kinetic techniques
to biological problems
George N. Phillips, Jr.
Relationship of three-dimensional structure and dynamics of
proteins to biological function
Yousif Shamoo
DNA replication and its relationship to cancer; sequence
specific protein-RNA interactions in eukaryotic RNA
processing proteins; in vivo pathways of molecular evolution;
acquisition of thermostability by mesophilic adenylate kinase
in Bacillus stearothermophilus
Jonathan Silberg
Directed evolution, extremophiles, iron-sulfur cluster
biogenesis, and molecular chaperones
Michael Stern
Molecular and genetic control of ion channel activity and
synaptic transmission in the Drosophila nervous system
Charles R. Stewart
Bacteriophage molecular genetics: mechanisms of host
takeover during bacteriophage infection; mechanisms of
bactericidal gene action
BCB Teaching Faculty
Beth Beason-Abmayr
BIOC 111, BIOC 311, 313, 413, and others
Elizabeth Eich
BIOC 211, FWIS 121, and other courses; Communication in
Natural Sciences program,
David R. Caprette (Professor In The Practice)
BIOC 111, 122, 318, 385, 415, and others.
Alma Novotny
BIOC 201, BIOC 372, MLSC 525, and other courses
Dereth Phillips
BIOC 115, 310, BCB Opportunities site, undergraduate
research advisor.
Gabriel Villares
BIOC 201, 211, 341, 460
Joint faculty
Herbert Levine (Bioengineering)
Seiichi P.T. Matsuda (Chemistry, chair)
George McLendon (Provost)
Luay Nakhleh (Computer Science)
José Onuchic (Physics & Astronomy)
Ronald J. Parry (Chemistry)
Laura Segatori (Chemical & Biomolecular Eng.)
Jeffrey J. Tabor (Bioengineering)
Peter Wolynes (Chemistry
For more detailed information about BCB faculty and
their research, visit the BCB website:
http://biochem.rice.edu
Yizhi Jane Tao
Molecular mechanism of viral genome replication and
transcription
Daniel S. Wagner
Vertebrate development, embryonic morphogenesis,
zebrafish genetics
Weiwei Zhong
Genetic interaction networks, high-throughput tools for
genetic screens.
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8/12/13
Frequently Asked Questions and Tips for Planning the Major
"Is it better to get a BS rather than a BA?" Neither degree is "better" than the other. Graduate
schools and medical schools look at your overall academic record including performance, course loads
taken, research experience, extracurricular activities, etc. You might choose the BA degree because
you want to add a double major, for example, or because you want to spend more time on
undergraduate research rather than on the extra course work required for the BS.
"I want to earn a BS in BCB and double major in history. Can I do it?" Yes, but because a history
major earns a BA degree you would have to meet the requirements for what we call a dual degree. A
dual degree is not the same as a double major. You can major in two or more different fields simply by
meeting the requirements for both majors provided that the degree earned is either a BA or BS but not
both. To earn a dual degree (BA/BS) you must complete the requirements for both majors and
complete at least 30 additional semester hours at Rice beyond the hours required for the first degree.
"I will complete all of the requirements for my major but how can I be sure I have my 60 hours
outside the major?" All courses not specifically applied to your major field count as "outside" the
major, even courses taken in the same discipline. For example, if you complete all of the course
requirements listed for a BA in BCB and take a couple of extra BIOC courses, those courses count
toward the additional 60 hours needed.
Tips for planning your BCB major
• First semester freshmen: Take the BCB prelab exam to prequalify for the BCB lab sequence
(http://www.clear.rice.edu/bioc111/). Those without biology AP credit should enroll in Bioc 201,
which is a prerequisite for virtually all other biological sciences courses.
• Use the information in the General Announcements, BCB web site, or a checklist to help plan your
degree.
• Complete all of your lower division course requirements, including all math, chemistry, and
physics, introductory biology, and the introductory biology lab(s) by the end of your sophomore
year.
• At times you will have to take at least two or three difficult courses in the same semester – it
would be wise to take them sooner rather than later.
• Complete some upper division requirements before your junior year to give you more flexibility in
your last two years.
• Save some "room" in spring semester senior year, in case you fall behind.
• Complete your laboratory course work before spring semester senior year in case a course that you
need is full or cancelled.
• BIOC 301 is currently taught only in fall; BIOC 302 and 352 are currently taught only in spring.
Most 400-level courses and some upper-level labs are taught only once per year. Please plan ahead
so that you have the opportunity to take the course or courses that you want.
• BIOC 311 is a prerequisite for some BIOC lab courses and some sections fill up fast. Please do not
wait until your last semester to sign up for this course.
• BIOC 302 and 352 are among the most difficult courses in the program, thus you may want to take
them in different semesters.
• As you plan your last four semesters check that you will complete at least the minimum required
hours (48) at the 300 level or higher.
• If you have had difficulty making good grades in lower division science courses then you may
want to reconsider the BS degree; the upper division course work will be more, not less,
challenging.
• No single course can count for more than one major requirement.
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