Fundamentals of Biochemistry Laboratory
- Textbook: There is no textbook for this course. An online laboratory manual outlining all experimental procedures, safety practices, report formats, and data treatment is provided.
This laboratory course is designed to complement the content of the lecture course, CHEM 233, through a series of selected experiments reflecting the following major areas of study: buffer systems, the structure and properties of amino acids and of proteins, as well as an introduction to enzyme kinetics. The goal of this laboratory course is to have the students gain exposure to and experience basic biochemistry lab techniques including (i) proper methods for accurate volume transfer; (ii) the use and calibration of a pH-meter; (iii) the practice of good titration techniques; (iv) the operation of a spectrophotometer; (v) the use of various column chromatography methods (e.g., ion exchange, size exclusion and affinity chromatography); (vi) the set-up and utilization of electrophoresis equipment (SDS-PAGE); and (vii) the appropriate treatment of experimental data. The set of individual labs comprising the course explore the following themes: buffers (titration of polyprotic acids), the separation and detection of various biomolecules (amino acids, proteins and carbohydrates), and the analysis of enzyme activity and inhibition.
Please remember that the Undergraduate Calendar is always the official source for all course descriptions.