click above for an interactive version of lysozyme

A study of the chemistry of macromolecules, especially nucleic acids and proteins, with emphasis on structure-function relationships and methodology; an introduction to enzyme kinetics and mechanisms. Click here to link to Wellesley's official course catalog.

Prerequisites: 211 and Biological Sciences 220 or with the instructor's permission. Not open to students who have taken 228 or 222.

Distribution: Natural and Physical Science

Semester: Fall Unit 1.25

Required Textbook: Voet&Voet, Biochemistry, 3rd edition, 2003, Wiley Publishers. Other texts and supplements are on reserve in the library.

Brief description of Class Sessions: We will meet three days a week, for 50-70 minutes, depending on the nature of the material. There will be a mixture of lecture, discussion, and group work for each class. Lecture notes will be placed on a FirstClass conference.

Brief Description of Labs: The lab is a project-based one, focused on the enzyme lysozyme. You will carry out three extended projects over the course of the semester. Each project culminates in a written and/or oral presentation of your results.

One-Minute Papers: After each class, and before the next class meeting, you must send answers to the following question via e-mail to Ms. Wolfson:

     1. What was the main point of today's class?
     2. What question do you have about the material from today's class?
     3. Was this material new or have you seen it in a previous course?

The "question" that you ask may be clarification, going deeper into the material, or something entirely unrelated that occurred to you as a result of the class. I will answer most of these in class on the following day. Keep a record of your responses over the semester. Although these will not be graded, they will contribute to a small percentage of your grade, and the more handed in, the better.