2010-2011 HBU Catalog - Houston Baptist University

BCMB 4111 Bioanalytical Methods
Prerequisites: twenty hours of biology, CHEM 2415, 2416, 3131, 3132, 3313, 3333, and completion of or concurrent
enrollment in CHEM 4373.
This is a senior level course which exposes students to the principles and experimental techniques underlying common
bioanalytical methods such as cell fractionation, radiolabeling, protein purification, protein and DNA sequencing,
immunochemistry, and spectrophotometry, all of which are widely used in research pertaining to the biological and
biochemical sciences.
BCMB 4181, 4281, 4381, 4481 Special Topics
Prerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301
Topics are selected on basis of students‘ needs and academic qualifications of staff. This will include such topics as
microbial techniques, membrane biology, enzymology, etc. Laboratory may or may not be included. If regular lectures
are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.
BCMB 4292 Bioinformatics
Prerequisite: 19 hours in biology, including at least one course from the following: BIOL 3414, 4424, 4444, or 4464.
This course is designed to provide the advanced Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (BCMB) undergraduate student with
the ability to use search engines commonly employed in the study of genomics and proteonomics. Students will learn to
interpret, compare, and analyze sequence information and associate genetic and protein sequences with three
dimensional structures. Search engines including BLAST, ENTREZ, and OMIM and sequence management software
such as CLUSTALW will be introduced in instructor-led tutorials and will be reinforced with homework assignments
that require their use. Ultimately students will use these tools in a research project. They will present their result to their
peers in the form of an oral presentation of a scientific poster.
BCMB 4294 Cell Culture Techniques
Prerequisites: 19 hours in biology, including at least one course from the following: BCMB 3414, 4424, 4444 or 4464.
This course will introduce students to the sterile techniques routinely used in the research laboratory. Techniques will
include those for both bacterial and mammalian cells.
BCMB 4295 Readings in the Biological Sciences
Prerequisite: 19 hours in biology, including at least one course from the following: BCMB 3414, 4424, 4444, or 4464.
This course is designed to provide the advanced undergraduate student with the ability to critically read, understand,
and convey the knowledge found in the current scientific literature. Topics of discussion include methodologies found
in the current literature, library searching methods, and common data analysis techniques. Students will select and read
two scientific articles and present the information to their peers in a journal club format.
BCMB 4297 Research in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Prerequisite: BIOL 3414, 3444
Laboratory research is offered for a student majoring in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology. At the conclusion of the
research, a written paper will be presented to the student‘s seminar advisor and an oral presentation of the results will
be presented. (Also offered as BIOL 4297.)
BCMB 4324 Advanced Cell Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, 3301, and 3444
This course provides an in-depth study of selected dynamic processes that occur in living cells. Topics include DNA
regulation and expression of genes; DNA repair; protein synthesis and function; protein sorting; vesicular traffic; cell
signaling; and control of cell division. (Also offered as BIOL 4324.)
BCMB 4363 Medical Microbiology
Prerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, 3301, and 3414
A study of microbial organisms that cause disease in humans. The characteristics of each pathogen are discussed along
with its pathogenesis and pathology. (Also offered as BIOL 4363.)
BCMB 4424 Molecular Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, 3301, and 3444
This course presents recent developments in biotechnology and genetic engineering. Topics included are recombinant
DNA; DNA cloning; DNA sequencing; polymerase chain reaction; monoclonal antibodies; genetic engineering of
plants and animals; and the human genome project. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory
sessions. (Also offered as BIOL 4424.)
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