Introduction

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Biochemistry and Biophysics

Advisory Committee: Professors Bishop‡, Goutte (Chair), Hansen, Loinaz‡, and O'Hara‡; Associate Professors Carter, Jaswal, and Purdy†; Assistant Professors Edwards*, Jeong, Ragkousi*, and Wu Orr.

Biochemistry and Biophysics is an interdisciplinary major that integrates the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, using the principles of chemistry and physics to explain and explore biological phenomena.

Major Program: A student in the major takes seven foundational courses in the three disciplines as well as a tracked set of intermediate courses to develop a more advanced understanding along either a more biophysical or biochemical track. Students then develop their expertise by the selection of courses from a list of electives. For the Biophysical track 2 electives are selected, at least one of which is a biology course with a lab. For the Biochemistry track 1 elective is selected. One advanced course completes coursework for the major.

The seven foundational courses are:

CHEM 151/155, CHEM 161/165, BIOL 191, BIOL/BCBP 291/371, MATH 121, PHYS 116/123, and PHYS 117/124.

The additional intermediate courses depend on which track a student elects. Students who are on the Biophysics Track will select one course in each of the following three options:

  • MATH 140 (Mathematical Modeling), MATH 260 (Differential Equations), MATH 271 (Linear Algebra), MATH 272 (Linear Algebra w/Applications), MATH 284 (Numerical Analysis), MATH 365 (Stochastic Processes), MATH/STAT 370 (Theoretical Statistics), STATS 230 (Intermediate Statistics), or STATS 231 (Data Science)
  • PHYS 225 (Modern Physics) or CHEM 351 (Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy)
  • PHYS 230 (Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics) or CHEM 361 (Physical Chemistry)

Students who are on the Biochemistry Track will take CHEM 221, CHEM 231, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, and PHYS 230 or CHEM 361.

Electives for the major are as follows: For the Biophysical Track, two electives are selected at least one of which must be a laboratory course in biology. In the Biophysics Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 270/271, BIOL 291, BIOL 301, BIOL/BCBP 310, BIOL 320/321, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, BIOL 350/351, BIOL 370/371, BIOL 380/381, CHEM 221, CHEM/BIOL 330, COSC 111, COSC 112, MATH 211, MATH 260, PHYS 343, or STAT 235.  For Fall 2020 UMass Course:  ANIMLSCI 581H. 

For the Biochemistry Track one elective is selected which must be a biology course with a laboratory. In the Biochemistry Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 271, BIOL/BCBP 291, BIOL 301, BIOL 321, BIOL 351, BIOL/BCBP 371, or BIOL 381.

Other courses not listed here may satisfy this elective upon approval by the Advisory Committee.

The required advanced course is BCBP 400/CHEM 400/PHYS 400/BIOL 400.

DEI Requirement: Beginning with the class of 2024, the Biochemistry and Biophysics Major (both tracks) will include one course that engages with issues of systemic racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, or social justice as it pertains to science and scientific communities.  Examples of existing courses that fulfill this requirement are listed below, and updated each spring for the upcoming academic year.  Other courses not listed or offered in the Five Colleges can substitute with the approval of the chair of BCBP.  FOR AY 2021-2022; ANTH/SWAG 209 or SOCI207 Feminist Perspective on Science and Medicine; Karkazis: Fall 2021 (no cap listed); ANTH 245 Medical Anthropology; Dole: Fall 2021 (30 students); SOCI/ESCI 226: Unequal Footprints on the Earth; Holleman: Fall 2021 (18 students); CHEM/SOCI 250: Being Human in STEM; Jaswal, Trapani: JTerm 2022 (50 students); AMST 234 Indigeneity and Science; Hamilton: Spring 2022 (18 students); AMST/BLST/SWAG-296: Black Women and Reproductive Justice in the African Diaspora; Jolly: Spring 2022 (20 students).

Special Topics Course BCPB 490 may be elected for students who wish an intensive laboratory or research tutorial in Biochemistry and Biophysics with individual members of the faculty.

For completion of the major, a comprehensive requirement consists of attendance at 6 or more BCBP approved seminars during your senior year, and presentation of a paper to a committee of BCBP faculty.

Departmental Honors Program: Some majors may elect to pursue an independent research project that enables them the opportunity to graduate with honors. Candidates for the degree with honors should elect BCBP 498 and 499D.

*On leave 2021-2022.  
†On leave fall semester 2021-2022.  
‡On leave spring semester 2021-2022.  

291 Cell Structure and Function w/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Limited to 16 students.Spring semester. Visiting Lecturer Augustine. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

292 Cell Structure and Function

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Edwards.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2021

310 Structural Biology

(Offered as BIOL 310 and BCBP 310) Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the three dimensional structure of proteins? Or what can be learned about the function of a protein from its structure? This course will concentrate on the structure of proteins at the atomic level. It will include an introduction to methods of structure determination, to structural bioinformatics, and to the visualization and representation of structural data. These tools will be used to study the relationship between function and specific structures (such as membrane, nucleic acid binding, regulatory, structural, or metabolic proteins). These proteins will provide the framework for the discussion of such concepts as domains, motifs, molecular motion, and structural homology, as well as for addressing how specific biological questions are answered at the atomic level. Two 80-minute classroom hours per week plus one hour discussion.

Requisite: BIOL 191 and CHEM 151 or 155, and CHEM 161; CHEM 221 would be helpful but is not required. Limited to 18 students. Omitted 2021-22

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2007, Fall 2012, Spring 2017, Spring 2020

331 Biochemistry

(Offered as BIOL 331, BCBP 331, and CHEM 331) Structure and function of biologically important molecules and their role(s) in life processes. Protein conformation, enzymatic mechanisms and selected metabolic pathways will be analyzed. Additional topics may include: nucleic acid conformation, DNA/protein interactions, signal transduction and transport phenomena. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory work per week. Offered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. A student may not receive credit for both CHEM/BIOL 330 and BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331.

BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331 is a requirement for the biochemistry track of the BCBP major, so prospective BCBP majors should not enroll in CHEM/BIOL 330 if they are considering the biochemistry track of the major.

Requisite: CHEM 231 and BIOL 191; or consent of the instructor. (CHEM 231 may be taken either as a prerequisite or as a co-requisite.) Limited to 30 students. Fall semester. Professors O'Hara and Wu Orr. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

370 Molecular Genetics

(Offered as BIOL 370 and BCBP 370) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. Four classroom hours per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 15 students. Not open to first-year students. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

371 Molecular Genetics W/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 371 and BCBP 371) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. The laboratory component will focus upon recombinant DNA methodology. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 30 students. Not open to first-year students. Fall semester.  Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

400 Molecular and Cellular Biophysics

(Offered as PHYS 400, BIOL 400, BCBP 400, and CHEM 400) How do the physical laws that dominate our lives change at the small length and energy scales of individual molecules? What design principles break down at the sub-cellular level and what new chemistry and physics becomes important? We will answer these questions by looking at bio-molecules, cellular substructures, and control mechanisms that work effectively in the microscopic world. How can we understand both the static and dynamic shape of proteins using the laws of thermodynamics and kinetics? How has the basic understanding of the smallest molecular motor in the world, ATP synthase, changed our understanding of friction and torque? We will explore new technologies, such as atomic force and single molecule microscopy that have allowed research into these areas. This course will address topics in each of the three major divisions of Biophysics: bio-molecular structure, biophysical techniques, and biological mechanisms.

Requisite: CHEM 161/165, PHYS 116/123, PHYS 117/124, BIOL 191 or evidence of equivalent coverage in pre-collegiate courses. Spring semester. Professor Carter. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

490 Special Topics

Independent reading course.

Fall and spring semesters. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022

498, 499D Senior Departmental Honors

Fall semester. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021
Department Website

About Amherst College

Back

Biochemistry and Biophysics

Advisory Committee: Professors Bishop‡, Goutte (Chair), Hansen, Loinaz‡, and O'Hara‡; Associate Professors Carter, Jaswal, and Purdy†; Assistant Professors Edwards*, Jeong, Ragkousi*, and Wu Orr.

Biochemistry and Biophysics is an interdisciplinary major that integrates the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, using the principles of chemistry and physics to explain and explore biological phenomena.

Major Program: A student in the major takes seven foundational courses in the three disciplines as well as a tracked set of intermediate courses to develop a more advanced understanding along either a more biophysical or biochemical track. Students then develop their expertise by the selection of courses from a list of electives. For the Biophysical track 2 electives are selected, at least one of which is a biology course with a lab. For the Biochemistry track 1 elective is selected. One advanced course completes coursework for the major.

The seven foundational courses are:

CHEM 151/155, CHEM 161/165, BIOL 191, BIOL/BCBP 291/371, MATH 121, PHYS 116/123, and PHYS 117/124.

The additional intermediate courses depend on which track a student elects. Students who are on the Biophysics Track will select one course in each of the following three options:

  • MATH 140 (Mathematical Modeling), MATH 260 (Differential Equations), MATH 271 (Linear Algebra), MATH 272 (Linear Algebra w/Applications), MATH 284 (Numerical Analysis), MATH 365 (Stochastic Processes), MATH/STAT 370 (Theoretical Statistics), STATS 230 (Intermediate Statistics), or STATS 231 (Data Science)
  • PHYS 225 (Modern Physics) or CHEM 351 (Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy)
  • PHYS 230 (Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics) or CHEM 361 (Physical Chemistry)

Students who are on the Biochemistry Track will take CHEM 221, CHEM 231, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, and PHYS 230 or CHEM 361.

Electives for the major are as follows: For the Biophysical Track, two electives are selected at least one of which must be a laboratory course in biology. In the Biophysics Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 270/271, BIOL 291, BIOL 301, BIOL/BCBP 310, BIOL 320/321, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, BIOL 350/351, BIOL 370/371, BIOL 380/381, CHEM 221, CHEM/BIOL 330, COSC 111, COSC 112, MATH 211, MATH 260, PHYS 343, or STAT 235.  For Fall 2020 UMass Course:  ANIMLSCI 581H. 

For the Biochemistry Track one elective is selected which must be a biology course with a laboratory. In the Biochemistry Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 271, BIOL/BCBP 291, BIOL 301, BIOL 321, BIOL 351, BIOL/BCBP 371, or BIOL 381.

Other courses not listed here may satisfy this elective upon approval by the Advisory Committee.

The required advanced course is BCBP 400/CHEM 400/PHYS 400/BIOL 400.

DEI Requirement: Beginning with the class of 2024, the Biochemistry and Biophysics Major (both tracks) will include one course that engages with issues of systemic racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, or social justice as it pertains to science and scientific communities.  Examples of existing courses that fulfill this requirement are listed below, and updated each spring for the upcoming academic year.  Other courses not listed or offered in the Five Colleges can substitute with the approval of the chair of BCBP.  FOR AY 2021-2022; ANTH/SWAG 209 or SOCI207 Feminist Perspective on Science and Medicine; Karkazis: Fall 2021 (no cap listed); ANTH 245 Medical Anthropology; Dole: Fall 2021 (30 students); SOCI/ESCI 226: Unequal Footprints on the Earth; Holleman: Fall 2021 (18 students); CHEM/SOCI 250: Being Human in STEM; Jaswal, Trapani: JTerm 2022 (50 students); AMST 234 Indigeneity and Science; Hamilton: Spring 2022 (18 students); AMST/BLST/SWAG-296: Black Women and Reproductive Justice in the African Diaspora; Jolly: Spring 2022 (20 students).

Special Topics Course BCPB 490 may be elected for students who wish an intensive laboratory or research tutorial in Biochemistry and Biophysics with individual members of the faculty.

For completion of the major, a comprehensive requirement consists of attendance at 6 or more BCBP approved seminars during your senior year, and presentation of a paper to a committee of BCBP faculty.

Departmental Honors Program: Some majors may elect to pursue an independent research project that enables them the opportunity to graduate with honors. Candidates for the degree with honors should elect BCBP 498 and 499D.

*On leave 2021-2022.  
†On leave fall semester 2021-2022.  
‡On leave spring semester 2021-2022.  

291 Cell Structure and Function w/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Limited to 16 students.Spring semester. Visiting Lecturer Augustine. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

292 Cell Structure and Function

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Edwards.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2021

310 Structural Biology

(Offered as BIOL 310 and BCBP 310) Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the three dimensional structure of proteins? Or what can be learned about the function of a protein from its structure? This course will concentrate on the structure of proteins at the atomic level. It will include an introduction to methods of structure determination, to structural bioinformatics, and to the visualization and representation of structural data. These tools will be used to study the relationship between function and specific structures (such as membrane, nucleic acid binding, regulatory, structural, or metabolic proteins). These proteins will provide the framework for the discussion of such concepts as domains, motifs, molecular motion, and structural homology, as well as for addressing how specific biological questions are answered at the atomic level. Two 80-minute classroom hours per week plus one hour discussion.

Requisite: BIOL 191 and CHEM 151 or 155, and CHEM 161; CHEM 221 would be helpful but is not required. Limited to 18 students. Omitted 2021-22

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2007, Fall 2012, Spring 2017, Spring 2020

331 Biochemistry

(Offered as BIOL 331, BCBP 331, and CHEM 331) Structure and function of biologically important molecules and their role(s) in life processes. Protein conformation, enzymatic mechanisms and selected metabolic pathways will be analyzed. Additional topics may include: nucleic acid conformation, DNA/protein interactions, signal transduction and transport phenomena. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory work per week. Offered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. A student may not receive credit for both CHEM/BIOL 330 and BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331.

BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331 is a requirement for the biochemistry track of the BCBP major, so prospective BCBP majors should not enroll in CHEM/BIOL 330 if they are considering the biochemistry track of the major.

Requisite: CHEM 231 and BIOL 191; or consent of the instructor. (CHEM 231 may be taken either as a prerequisite or as a co-requisite.) Limited to 30 students. Fall semester. Professors O'Hara and Wu Orr. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

370 Molecular Genetics

(Offered as BIOL 370 and BCBP 370) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. Four classroom hours per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 15 students. Not open to first-year students. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

371 Molecular Genetics W/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 371 and BCBP 371) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. The laboratory component will focus upon recombinant DNA methodology. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 30 students. Not open to first-year students. Fall semester.  Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

400 Molecular and Cellular Biophysics

(Offered as PHYS 400, BIOL 400, BCBP 400, and CHEM 400) How do the physical laws that dominate our lives change at the small length and energy scales of individual molecules? What design principles break down at the sub-cellular level and what new chemistry and physics becomes important? We will answer these questions by looking at bio-molecules, cellular substructures, and control mechanisms that work effectively in the microscopic world. How can we understand both the static and dynamic shape of proteins using the laws of thermodynamics and kinetics? How has the basic understanding of the smallest molecular motor in the world, ATP synthase, changed our understanding of friction and torque? We will explore new technologies, such as atomic force and single molecule microscopy that have allowed research into these areas. This course will address topics in each of the three major divisions of Biophysics: bio-molecular structure, biophysical techniques, and biological mechanisms.

Requisite: CHEM 161/165, PHYS 116/123, PHYS 117/124, BIOL 191 or evidence of equivalent coverage in pre-collegiate courses. Spring semester. Professor Carter. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

490 Special Topics

Independent reading course.

Fall and spring semesters. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022

498, 499D Senior Departmental Honors

Fall semester. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021
Department Website

Admission & Financial Aid

Back

Biochemistry and Biophysics

Advisory Committee: Professors Bishop‡, Goutte (Chair), Hansen, Loinaz‡, and O'Hara‡; Associate Professors Carter, Jaswal, and Purdy†; Assistant Professors Edwards*, Jeong, Ragkousi*, and Wu Orr.

Biochemistry and Biophysics is an interdisciplinary major that integrates the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, using the principles of chemistry and physics to explain and explore biological phenomena.

Major Program: A student in the major takes seven foundational courses in the three disciplines as well as a tracked set of intermediate courses to develop a more advanced understanding along either a more biophysical or biochemical track. Students then develop their expertise by the selection of courses from a list of electives. For the Biophysical track 2 electives are selected, at least one of which is a biology course with a lab. For the Biochemistry track 1 elective is selected. One advanced course completes coursework for the major.

The seven foundational courses are:

CHEM 151/155, CHEM 161/165, BIOL 191, BIOL/BCBP 291/371, MATH 121, PHYS 116/123, and PHYS 117/124.

The additional intermediate courses depend on which track a student elects. Students who are on the Biophysics Track will select one course in each of the following three options:

  • MATH 140 (Mathematical Modeling), MATH 260 (Differential Equations), MATH 271 (Linear Algebra), MATH 272 (Linear Algebra w/Applications), MATH 284 (Numerical Analysis), MATH 365 (Stochastic Processes), MATH/STAT 370 (Theoretical Statistics), STATS 230 (Intermediate Statistics), or STATS 231 (Data Science)
  • PHYS 225 (Modern Physics) or CHEM 351 (Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy)
  • PHYS 230 (Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics) or CHEM 361 (Physical Chemistry)

Students who are on the Biochemistry Track will take CHEM 221, CHEM 231, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, and PHYS 230 or CHEM 361.

Electives for the major are as follows: For the Biophysical Track, two electives are selected at least one of which must be a laboratory course in biology. In the Biophysics Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 270/271, BIOL 291, BIOL 301, BIOL/BCBP 310, BIOL 320/321, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, BIOL 350/351, BIOL 370/371, BIOL 380/381, CHEM 221, CHEM/BIOL 330, COSC 111, COSC 112, MATH 211, MATH 260, PHYS 343, or STAT 235.  For Fall 2020 UMass Course:  ANIMLSCI 581H. 

For the Biochemistry Track one elective is selected which must be a biology course with a laboratory. In the Biochemistry Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 271, BIOL/BCBP 291, BIOL 301, BIOL 321, BIOL 351, BIOL/BCBP 371, or BIOL 381.

Other courses not listed here may satisfy this elective upon approval by the Advisory Committee.

The required advanced course is BCBP 400/CHEM 400/PHYS 400/BIOL 400.

DEI Requirement: Beginning with the class of 2024, the Biochemistry and Biophysics Major (both tracks) will include one course that engages with issues of systemic racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, or social justice as it pertains to science and scientific communities.  Examples of existing courses that fulfill this requirement are listed below, and updated each spring for the upcoming academic year.  Other courses not listed or offered in the Five Colleges can substitute with the approval of the chair of BCBP.  FOR AY 2021-2022; ANTH/SWAG 209 or SOCI207 Feminist Perspective on Science and Medicine; Karkazis: Fall 2021 (no cap listed); ANTH 245 Medical Anthropology; Dole: Fall 2021 (30 students); SOCI/ESCI 226: Unequal Footprints on the Earth; Holleman: Fall 2021 (18 students); CHEM/SOCI 250: Being Human in STEM; Jaswal, Trapani: JTerm 2022 (50 students); AMST 234 Indigeneity and Science; Hamilton: Spring 2022 (18 students); AMST/BLST/SWAG-296: Black Women and Reproductive Justice in the African Diaspora; Jolly: Spring 2022 (20 students).

Special Topics Course BCPB 490 may be elected for students who wish an intensive laboratory or research tutorial in Biochemistry and Biophysics with individual members of the faculty.

For completion of the major, a comprehensive requirement consists of attendance at 6 or more BCBP approved seminars during your senior year, and presentation of a paper to a committee of BCBP faculty.

Departmental Honors Program: Some majors may elect to pursue an independent research project that enables them the opportunity to graduate with honors. Candidates for the degree with honors should elect BCBP 498 and 499D.

*On leave 2021-2022.  
†On leave fall semester 2021-2022.  
‡On leave spring semester 2021-2022.  

291 Cell Structure and Function w/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Limited to 16 students.Spring semester. Visiting Lecturer Augustine. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

292 Cell Structure and Function

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Edwards.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2021

310 Structural Biology

(Offered as BIOL 310 and BCBP 310) Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the three dimensional structure of proteins? Or what can be learned about the function of a protein from its structure? This course will concentrate on the structure of proteins at the atomic level. It will include an introduction to methods of structure determination, to structural bioinformatics, and to the visualization and representation of structural data. These tools will be used to study the relationship between function and specific structures (such as membrane, nucleic acid binding, regulatory, structural, or metabolic proteins). These proteins will provide the framework for the discussion of such concepts as domains, motifs, molecular motion, and structural homology, as well as for addressing how specific biological questions are answered at the atomic level. Two 80-minute classroom hours per week plus one hour discussion.

Requisite: BIOL 191 and CHEM 151 or 155, and CHEM 161; CHEM 221 would be helpful but is not required. Limited to 18 students. Omitted 2021-22

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2007, Fall 2012, Spring 2017, Spring 2020

331 Biochemistry

(Offered as BIOL 331, BCBP 331, and CHEM 331) Structure and function of biologically important molecules and their role(s) in life processes. Protein conformation, enzymatic mechanisms and selected metabolic pathways will be analyzed. Additional topics may include: nucleic acid conformation, DNA/protein interactions, signal transduction and transport phenomena. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory work per week. Offered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. A student may not receive credit for both CHEM/BIOL 330 and BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331.

BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331 is a requirement for the biochemistry track of the BCBP major, so prospective BCBP majors should not enroll in CHEM/BIOL 330 if they are considering the biochemistry track of the major.

Requisite: CHEM 231 and BIOL 191; or consent of the instructor. (CHEM 231 may be taken either as a prerequisite or as a co-requisite.) Limited to 30 students. Fall semester. Professors O'Hara and Wu Orr. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

370 Molecular Genetics

(Offered as BIOL 370 and BCBP 370) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. Four classroom hours per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 15 students. Not open to first-year students. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

371 Molecular Genetics W/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 371 and BCBP 371) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. The laboratory component will focus upon recombinant DNA methodology. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 30 students. Not open to first-year students. Fall semester.  Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

400 Molecular and Cellular Biophysics

(Offered as PHYS 400, BIOL 400, BCBP 400, and CHEM 400) How do the physical laws that dominate our lives change at the small length and energy scales of individual molecules? What design principles break down at the sub-cellular level and what new chemistry and physics becomes important? We will answer these questions by looking at bio-molecules, cellular substructures, and control mechanisms that work effectively in the microscopic world. How can we understand both the static and dynamic shape of proteins using the laws of thermodynamics and kinetics? How has the basic understanding of the smallest molecular motor in the world, ATP synthase, changed our understanding of friction and torque? We will explore new technologies, such as atomic force and single molecule microscopy that have allowed research into these areas. This course will address topics in each of the three major divisions of Biophysics: bio-molecular structure, biophysical techniques, and biological mechanisms.

Requisite: CHEM 161/165, PHYS 116/123, PHYS 117/124, BIOL 191 or evidence of equivalent coverage in pre-collegiate courses. Spring semester. Professor Carter. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

490 Special Topics

Independent reading course.

Fall and spring semesters. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022

498, 499D Senior Departmental Honors

Fall semester. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021
Department Website

Regulations & Requirements

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Biochemistry and Biophysics

Advisory Committee: Professors Bishop‡, Goutte (Chair), Hansen, Loinaz‡, and O'Hara‡; Associate Professors Carter, Jaswal, and Purdy†; Assistant Professors Edwards*, Jeong, Ragkousi*, and Wu Orr.

Biochemistry and Biophysics is an interdisciplinary major that integrates the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, using the principles of chemistry and physics to explain and explore biological phenomena.

Major Program: A student in the major takes seven foundational courses in the three disciplines as well as a tracked set of intermediate courses to develop a more advanced understanding along either a more biophysical or biochemical track. Students then develop their expertise by the selection of courses from a list of electives. For the Biophysical track 2 electives are selected, at least one of which is a biology course with a lab. For the Biochemistry track 1 elective is selected. One advanced course completes coursework for the major.

The seven foundational courses are:

CHEM 151/155, CHEM 161/165, BIOL 191, BIOL/BCBP 291/371, MATH 121, PHYS 116/123, and PHYS 117/124.

The additional intermediate courses depend on which track a student elects. Students who are on the Biophysics Track will select one course in each of the following three options:

  • MATH 140 (Mathematical Modeling), MATH 260 (Differential Equations), MATH 271 (Linear Algebra), MATH 272 (Linear Algebra w/Applications), MATH 284 (Numerical Analysis), MATH 365 (Stochastic Processes), MATH/STAT 370 (Theoretical Statistics), STATS 230 (Intermediate Statistics), or STATS 231 (Data Science)
  • PHYS 225 (Modern Physics) or CHEM 351 (Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy)
  • PHYS 230 (Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics) or CHEM 361 (Physical Chemistry)

Students who are on the Biochemistry Track will take CHEM 221, CHEM 231, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, and PHYS 230 or CHEM 361.

Electives for the major are as follows: For the Biophysical Track, two electives are selected at least one of which must be a laboratory course in biology. In the Biophysics Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 270/271, BIOL 291, BIOL 301, BIOL/BCBP 310, BIOL 320/321, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, BIOL 350/351, BIOL 370/371, BIOL 380/381, CHEM 221, CHEM/BIOL 330, COSC 111, COSC 112, MATH 211, MATH 260, PHYS 343, or STAT 235.  For Fall 2020 UMass Course:  ANIMLSCI 581H. 

For the Biochemistry Track one elective is selected which must be a biology course with a laboratory. In the Biochemistry Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 271, BIOL/BCBP 291, BIOL 301, BIOL 321, BIOL 351, BIOL/BCBP 371, or BIOL 381.

Other courses not listed here may satisfy this elective upon approval by the Advisory Committee.

The required advanced course is BCBP 400/CHEM 400/PHYS 400/BIOL 400.

DEI Requirement: Beginning with the class of 2024, the Biochemistry and Biophysics Major (both tracks) will include one course that engages with issues of systemic racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, or social justice as it pertains to science and scientific communities.  Examples of existing courses that fulfill this requirement are listed below, and updated each spring for the upcoming academic year.  Other courses not listed or offered in the Five Colleges can substitute with the approval of the chair of BCBP.  FOR AY 2021-2022; ANTH/SWAG 209 or SOCI207 Feminist Perspective on Science and Medicine; Karkazis: Fall 2021 (no cap listed); ANTH 245 Medical Anthropology; Dole: Fall 2021 (30 students); SOCI/ESCI 226: Unequal Footprints on the Earth; Holleman: Fall 2021 (18 students); CHEM/SOCI 250: Being Human in STEM; Jaswal, Trapani: JTerm 2022 (50 students); AMST 234 Indigeneity and Science; Hamilton: Spring 2022 (18 students); AMST/BLST/SWAG-296: Black Women and Reproductive Justice in the African Diaspora; Jolly: Spring 2022 (20 students).

Special Topics Course BCPB 490 may be elected for students who wish an intensive laboratory or research tutorial in Biochemistry and Biophysics with individual members of the faculty.

For completion of the major, a comprehensive requirement consists of attendance at 6 or more BCBP approved seminars during your senior year, and presentation of a paper to a committee of BCBP faculty.

Departmental Honors Program: Some majors may elect to pursue an independent research project that enables them the opportunity to graduate with honors. Candidates for the degree with honors should elect BCBP 498 and 499D.

*On leave 2021-2022.  
†On leave fall semester 2021-2022.  
‡On leave spring semester 2021-2022.  

291 Cell Structure and Function w/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Limited to 16 students.Spring semester. Visiting Lecturer Augustine. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

292 Cell Structure and Function

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Edwards.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2021

310 Structural Biology

(Offered as BIOL 310 and BCBP 310) Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the three dimensional structure of proteins? Or what can be learned about the function of a protein from its structure? This course will concentrate on the structure of proteins at the atomic level. It will include an introduction to methods of structure determination, to structural bioinformatics, and to the visualization and representation of structural data. These tools will be used to study the relationship between function and specific structures (such as membrane, nucleic acid binding, regulatory, structural, or metabolic proteins). These proteins will provide the framework for the discussion of such concepts as domains, motifs, molecular motion, and structural homology, as well as for addressing how specific biological questions are answered at the atomic level. Two 80-minute classroom hours per week plus one hour discussion.

Requisite: BIOL 191 and CHEM 151 or 155, and CHEM 161; CHEM 221 would be helpful but is not required. Limited to 18 students. Omitted 2021-22

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2007, Fall 2012, Spring 2017, Spring 2020

331 Biochemistry

(Offered as BIOL 331, BCBP 331, and CHEM 331) Structure and function of biologically important molecules and their role(s) in life processes. Protein conformation, enzymatic mechanisms and selected metabolic pathways will be analyzed. Additional topics may include: nucleic acid conformation, DNA/protein interactions, signal transduction and transport phenomena. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory work per week. Offered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. A student may not receive credit for both CHEM/BIOL 330 and BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331.

BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331 is a requirement for the biochemistry track of the BCBP major, so prospective BCBP majors should not enroll in CHEM/BIOL 330 if they are considering the biochemistry track of the major.

Requisite: CHEM 231 and BIOL 191; or consent of the instructor. (CHEM 231 may be taken either as a prerequisite or as a co-requisite.) Limited to 30 students. Fall semester. Professors O'Hara and Wu Orr. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

370 Molecular Genetics

(Offered as BIOL 370 and BCBP 370) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. Four classroom hours per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 15 students. Not open to first-year students. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

371 Molecular Genetics W/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 371 and BCBP 371) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. The laboratory component will focus upon recombinant DNA methodology. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 30 students. Not open to first-year students. Fall semester.  Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

400 Molecular and Cellular Biophysics

(Offered as PHYS 400, BIOL 400, BCBP 400, and CHEM 400) How do the physical laws that dominate our lives change at the small length and energy scales of individual molecules? What design principles break down at the sub-cellular level and what new chemistry and physics becomes important? We will answer these questions by looking at bio-molecules, cellular substructures, and control mechanisms that work effectively in the microscopic world. How can we understand both the static and dynamic shape of proteins using the laws of thermodynamics and kinetics? How has the basic understanding of the smallest molecular motor in the world, ATP synthase, changed our understanding of friction and torque? We will explore new technologies, such as atomic force and single molecule microscopy that have allowed research into these areas. This course will address topics in each of the three major divisions of Biophysics: bio-molecular structure, biophysical techniques, and biological mechanisms.

Requisite: CHEM 161/165, PHYS 116/123, PHYS 117/124, BIOL 191 or evidence of equivalent coverage in pre-collegiate courses. Spring semester. Professor Carter. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

490 Special Topics

Independent reading course.

Fall and spring semesters. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022

498, 499D Senior Departmental Honors

Fall semester. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021
Department Website

Amherst College Courses

Back

Biochemistry and Biophysics

Advisory Committee: Professors Bishop‡, Goutte (Chair), Hansen, Loinaz‡, and O'Hara‡; Associate Professors Carter, Jaswal, and Purdy†; Assistant Professors Edwards*, Jeong, Ragkousi*, and Wu Orr.

Biochemistry and Biophysics is an interdisciplinary major that integrates the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, using the principles of chemistry and physics to explain and explore biological phenomena.

Major Program: A student in the major takes seven foundational courses in the three disciplines as well as a tracked set of intermediate courses to develop a more advanced understanding along either a more biophysical or biochemical track. Students then develop their expertise by the selection of courses from a list of electives. For the Biophysical track 2 electives are selected, at least one of which is a biology course with a lab. For the Biochemistry track 1 elective is selected. One advanced course completes coursework for the major.

The seven foundational courses are:

CHEM 151/155, CHEM 161/165, BIOL 191, BIOL/BCBP 291/371, MATH 121, PHYS 116/123, and PHYS 117/124.

The additional intermediate courses depend on which track a student elects. Students who are on the Biophysics Track will select one course in each of the following three options:

  • MATH 140 (Mathematical Modeling), MATH 260 (Differential Equations), MATH 271 (Linear Algebra), MATH 272 (Linear Algebra w/Applications), MATH 284 (Numerical Analysis), MATH 365 (Stochastic Processes), MATH/STAT 370 (Theoretical Statistics), STATS 230 (Intermediate Statistics), or STATS 231 (Data Science)
  • PHYS 225 (Modern Physics) or CHEM 351 (Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy)
  • PHYS 230 (Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics) or CHEM 361 (Physical Chemistry)

Students who are on the Biochemistry Track will take CHEM 221, CHEM 231, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, and PHYS 230 or CHEM 361.

Electives for the major are as follows: For the Biophysical Track, two electives are selected at least one of which must be a laboratory course in biology. In the Biophysics Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 270/271, BIOL 291, BIOL 301, BIOL/BCBP 310, BIOL 320/321, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, BIOL 350/351, BIOL 370/371, BIOL 380/381, CHEM 221, CHEM/BIOL 330, COSC 111, COSC 112, MATH 211, MATH 260, PHYS 343, or STAT 235.  For Fall 2020 UMass Course:  ANIMLSCI 581H. 

For the Biochemistry Track one elective is selected which must be a biology course with a laboratory. In the Biochemistry Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 271, BIOL/BCBP 291, BIOL 301, BIOL 321, BIOL 351, BIOL/BCBP 371, or BIOL 381.

Other courses not listed here may satisfy this elective upon approval by the Advisory Committee.

The required advanced course is BCBP 400/CHEM 400/PHYS 400/BIOL 400.

DEI Requirement: Beginning with the class of 2024, the Biochemistry and Biophysics Major (both tracks) will include one course that engages with issues of systemic racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, or social justice as it pertains to science and scientific communities.  Examples of existing courses that fulfill this requirement are listed below, and updated each spring for the upcoming academic year.  Other courses not listed or offered in the Five Colleges can substitute with the approval of the chair of BCBP.  FOR AY 2021-2022; ANTH/SWAG 209 or SOCI207 Feminist Perspective on Science and Medicine; Karkazis: Fall 2021 (no cap listed); ANTH 245 Medical Anthropology; Dole: Fall 2021 (30 students); SOCI/ESCI 226: Unequal Footprints on the Earth; Holleman: Fall 2021 (18 students); CHEM/SOCI 250: Being Human in STEM; Jaswal, Trapani: JTerm 2022 (50 students); AMST 234 Indigeneity and Science; Hamilton: Spring 2022 (18 students); AMST/BLST/SWAG-296: Black Women and Reproductive Justice in the African Diaspora; Jolly: Spring 2022 (20 students).

Special Topics Course BCPB 490 may be elected for students who wish an intensive laboratory or research tutorial in Biochemistry and Biophysics with individual members of the faculty.

For completion of the major, a comprehensive requirement consists of attendance at 6 or more BCBP approved seminars during your senior year, and presentation of a paper to a committee of BCBP faculty.

Departmental Honors Program: Some majors may elect to pursue an independent research project that enables them the opportunity to graduate with honors. Candidates for the degree with honors should elect BCBP 498 and 499D.

*On leave 2021-2022.  
†On leave fall semester 2021-2022.  
‡On leave spring semester 2021-2022.  

291 Cell Structure and Function w/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Limited to 16 students.Spring semester. Visiting Lecturer Augustine. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

292 Cell Structure and Function

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Edwards.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2021

310 Structural Biology

(Offered as BIOL 310 and BCBP 310) Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the three dimensional structure of proteins? Or what can be learned about the function of a protein from its structure? This course will concentrate on the structure of proteins at the atomic level. It will include an introduction to methods of structure determination, to structural bioinformatics, and to the visualization and representation of structural data. These tools will be used to study the relationship between function and specific structures (such as membrane, nucleic acid binding, regulatory, structural, or metabolic proteins). These proteins will provide the framework for the discussion of such concepts as domains, motifs, molecular motion, and structural homology, as well as for addressing how specific biological questions are answered at the atomic level. Two 80-minute classroom hours per week plus one hour discussion.

Requisite: BIOL 191 and CHEM 151 or 155, and CHEM 161; CHEM 221 would be helpful but is not required. Limited to 18 students. Omitted 2021-22

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2007, Fall 2012, Spring 2017, Spring 2020

331 Biochemistry

(Offered as BIOL 331, BCBP 331, and CHEM 331) Structure and function of biologically important molecules and their role(s) in life processes. Protein conformation, enzymatic mechanisms and selected metabolic pathways will be analyzed. Additional topics may include: nucleic acid conformation, DNA/protein interactions, signal transduction and transport phenomena. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory work per week. Offered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. A student may not receive credit for both CHEM/BIOL 330 and BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331.

BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331 is a requirement for the biochemistry track of the BCBP major, so prospective BCBP majors should not enroll in CHEM/BIOL 330 if they are considering the biochemistry track of the major.

Requisite: CHEM 231 and BIOL 191; or consent of the instructor. (CHEM 231 may be taken either as a prerequisite or as a co-requisite.) Limited to 30 students. Fall semester. Professors O'Hara and Wu Orr. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

370 Molecular Genetics

(Offered as BIOL 370 and BCBP 370) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. Four classroom hours per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 15 students. Not open to first-year students. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

371 Molecular Genetics W/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 371 and BCBP 371) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. The laboratory component will focus upon recombinant DNA methodology. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 30 students. Not open to first-year students. Fall semester.  Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

400 Molecular and Cellular Biophysics

(Offered as PHYS 400, BIOL 400, BCBP 400, and CHEM 400) How do the physical laws that dominate our lives change at the small length and energy scales of individual molecules? What design principles break down at the sub-cellular level and what new chemistry and physics becomes important? We will answer these questions by looking at bio-molecules, cellular substructures, and control mechanisms that work effectively in the microscopic world. How can we understand both the static and dynamic shape of proteins using the laws of thermodynamics and kinetics? How has the basic understanding of the smallest molecular motor in the world, ATP synthase, changed our understanding of friction and torque? We will explore new technologies, such as atomic force and single molecule microscopy that have allowed research into these areas. This course will address topics in each of the three major divisions of Biophysics: bio-molecular structure, biophysical techniques, and biological mechanisms.

Requisite: CHEM 161/165, PHYS 116/123, PHYS 117/124, BIOL 191 or evidence of equivalent coverage in pre-collegiate courses. Spring semester. Professor Carter. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

490 Special Topics

Independent reading course.

Fall and spring semesters. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022

498, 499D Senior Departmental Honors

Fall semester. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021
Department Website

Five College Programs & Certificates

Back

Biochemistry and Biophysics

Advisory Committee: Professors Bishop‡, Goutte (Chair), Hansen, Loinaz‡, and O'Hara‡; Associate Professors Carter, Jaswal, and Purdy†; Assistant Professors Edwards*, Jeong, Ragkousi*, and Wu Orr.

Biochemistry and Biophysics is an interdisciplinary major that integrates the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, using the principles of chemistry and physics to explain and explore biological phenomena.

Major Program: A student in the major takes seven foundational courses in the three disciplines as well as a tracked set of intermediate courses to develop a more advanced understanding along either a more biophysical or biochemical track. Students then develop their expertise by the selection of courses from a list of electives. For the Biophysical track 2 electives are selected, at least one of which is a biology course with a lab. For the Biochemistry track 1 elective is selected. One advanced course completes coursework for the major.

The seven foundational courses are:

CHEM 151/155, CHEM 161/165, BIOL 191, BIOL/BCBP 291/371, MATH 121, PHYS 116/123, and PHYS 117/124.

The additional intermediate courses depend on which track a student elects. Students who are on the Biophysics Track will select one course in each of the following three options:

  • MATH 140 (Mathematical Modeling), MATH 260 (Differential Equations), MATH 271 (Linear Algebra), MATH 272 (Linear Algebra w/Applications), MATH 284 (Numerical Analysis), MATH 365 (Stochastic Processes), MATH/STAT 370 (Theoretical Statistics), STATS 230 (Intermediate Statistics), or STATS 231 (Data Science)
  • PHYS 225 (Modern Physics) or CHEM 351 (Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy)
  • PHYS 230 (Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics) or CHEM 361 (Physical Chemistry)

Students who are on the Biochemistry Track will take CHEM 221, CHEM 231, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, and PHYS 230 or CHEM 361.

Electives for the major are as follows: For the Biophysical Track, two electives are selected at least one of which must be a laboratory course in biology. In the Biophysics Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 270/271, BIOL 291, BIOL 301, BIOL/BCBP 310, BIOL 320/321, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, BIOL 350/351, BIOL 370/371, BIOL 380/381, CHEM 221, CHEM/BIOL 330, COSC 111, COSC 112, MATH 211, MATH 260, PHYS 343, or STAT 235.  For Fall 2020 UMass Course:  ANIMLSCI 581H. 

For the Biochemistry Track one elective is selected which must be a biology course with a laboratory. In the Biochemistry Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 271, BIOL/BCBP 291, BIOL 301, BIOL 321, BIOL 351, BIOL/BCBP 371, or BIOL 381.

Other courses not listed here may satisfy this elective upon approval by the Advisory Committee.

The required advanced course is BCBP 400/CHEM 400/PHYS 400/BIOL 400.

DEI Requirement: Beginning with the class of 2024, the Biochemistry and Biophysics Major (both tracks) will include one course that engages with issues of systemic racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, or social justice as it pertains to science and scientific communities.  Examples of existing courses that fulfill this requirement are listed below, and updated each spring for the upcoming academic year.  Other courses not listed or offered in the Five Colleges can substitute with the approval of the chair of BCBP.  FOR AY 2021-2022; ANTH/SWAG 209 or SOCI207 Feminist Perspective on Science and Medicine; Karkazis: Fall 2021 (no cap listed); ANTH 245 Medical Anthropology; Dole: Fall 2021 (30 students); SOCI/ESCI 226: Unequal Footprints on the Earth; Holleman: Fall 2021 (18 students); CHEM/SOCI 250: Being Human in STEM; Jaswal, Trapani: JTerm 2022 (50 students); AMST 234 Indigeneity and Science; Hamilton: Spring 2022 (18 students); AMST/BLST/SWAG-296: Black Women and Reproductive Justice in the African Diaspora; Jolly: Spring 2022 (20 students).

Special Topics Course BCPB 490 may be elected for students who wish an intensive laboratory or research tutorial in Biochemistry and Biophysics with individual members of the faculty.

For completion of the major, a comprehensive requirement consists of attendance at 6 or more BCBP approved seminars during your senior year, and presentation of a paper to a committee of BCBP faculty.

Departmental Honors Program: Some majors may elect to pursue an independent research project that enables them the opportunity to graduate with honors. Candidates for the degree with honors should elect BCBP 498 and 499D.

*On leave 2021-2022.  
†On leave fall semester 2021-2022.  
‡On leave spring semester 2021-2022.  

291 Cell Structure and Function w/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Limited to 16 students.Spring semester. Visiting Lecturer Augustine. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

292 Cell Structure and Function

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Edwards.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2021

310 Structural Biology

(Offered as BIOL 310 and BCBP 310) Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the three dimensional structure of proteins? Or what can be learned about the function of a protein from its structure? This course will concentrate on the structure of proteins at the atomic level. It will include an introduction to methods of structure determination, to structural bioinformatics, and to the visualization and representation of structural data. These tools will be used to study the relationship between function and specific structures (such as membrane, nucleic acid binding, regulatory, structural, or metabolic proteins). These proteins will provide the framework for the discussion of such concepts as domains, motifs, molecular motion, and structural homology, as well as for addressing how specific biological questions are answered at the atomic level. Two 80-minute classroom hours per week plus one hour discussion.

Requisite: BIOL 191 and CHEM 151 or 155, and CHEM 161; CHEM 221 would be helpful but is not required. Limited to 18 students. Omitted 2021-22

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2007, Fall 2012, Spring 2017, Spring 2020

331 Biochemistry

(Offered as BIOL 331, BCBP 331, and CHEM 331) Structure and function of biologically important molecules and their role(s) in life processes. Protein conformation, enzymatic mechanisms and selected metabolic pathways will be analyzed. Additional topics may include: nucleic acid conformation, DNA/protein interactions, signal transduction and transport phenomena. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory work per week. Offered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. A student may not receive credit for both CHEM/BIOL 330 and BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331.

BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331 is a requirement for the biochemistry track of the BCBP major, so prospective BCBP majors should not enroll in CHEM/BIOL 330 if they are considering the biochemistry track of the major.

Requisite: CHEM 231 and BIOL 191; or consent of the instructor. (CHEM 231 may be taken either as a prerequisite or as a co-requisite.) Limited to 30 students. Fall semester. Professors O'Hara and Wu Orr. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

370 Molecular Genetics

(Offered as BIOL 370 and BCBP 370) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. Four classroom hours per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 15 students. Not open to first-year students. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

371 Molecular Genetics W/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 371 and BCBP 371) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. The laboratory component will focus upon recombinant DNA methodology. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 30 students. Not open to first-year students. Fall semester.  Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

400 Molecular and Cellular Biophysics

(Offered as PHYS 400, BIOL 400, BCBP 400, and CHEM 400) How do the physical laws that dominate our lives change at the small length and energy scales of individual molecules? What design principles break down at the sub-cellular level and what new chemistry and physics becomes important? We will answer these questions by looking at bio-molecules, cellular substructures, and control mechanisms that work effectively in the microscopic world. How can we understand both the static and dynamic shape of proteins using the laws of thermodynamics and kinetics? How has the basic understanding of the smallest molecular motor in the world, ATP synthase, changed our understanding of friction and torque? We will explore new technologies, such as atomic force and single molecule microscopy that have allowed research into these areas. This course will address topics in each of the three major divisions of Biophysics: bio-molecular structure, biophysical techniques, and biological mechanisms.

Requisite: CHEM 161/165, PHYS 116/123, PHYS 117/124, BIOL 191 or evidence of equivalent coverage in pre-collegiate courses. Spring semester. Professor Carter. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

490 Special Topics

Independent reading course.

Fall and spring semesters. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022

498, 499D Senior Departmental Honors

Fall semester. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021
Department Website

Honors & Fellowships

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Biochemistry and Biophysics

Advisory Committee: Professors Bishop‡, Goutte (Chair), Hansen, Loinaz‡, and O'Hara‡; Associate Professors Carter, Jaswal, and Purdy†; Assistant Professors Edwards*, Jeong, Ragkousi*, and Wu Orr.

Biochemistry and Biophysics is an interdisciplinary major that integrates the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, using the principles of chemistry and physics to explain and explore biological phenomena.

Major Program: A student in the major takes seven foundational courses in the three disciplines as well as a tracked set of intermediate courses to develop a more advanced understanding along either a more biophysical or biochemical track. Students then develop their expertise by the selection of courses from a list of electives. For the Biophysical track 2 electives are selected, at least one of which is a biology course with a lab. For the Biochemistry track 1 elective is selected. One advanced course completes coursework for the major.

The seven foundational courses are:

CHEM 151/155, CHEM 161/165, BIOL 191, BIOL/BCBP 291/371, MATH 121, PHYS 116/123, and PHYS 117/124.

The additional intermediate courses depend on which track a student elects. Students who are on the Biophysics Track will select one course in each of the following three options:

  • MATH 140 (Mathematical Modeling), MATH 260 (Differential Equations), MATH 271 (Linear Algebra), MATH 272 (Linear Algebra w/Applications), MATH 284 (Numerical Analysis), MATH 365 (Stochastic Processes), MATH/STAT 370 (Theoretical Statistics), STATS 230 (Intermediate Statistics), or STATS 231 (Data Science)
  • PHYS 225 (Modern Physics) or CHEM 351 (Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy)
  • PHYS 230 (Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics) or CHEM 361 (Physical Chemistry)

Students who are on the Biochemistry Track will take CHEM 221, CHEM 231, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, and PHYS 230 or CHEM 361.

Electives for the major are as follows: For the Biophysical Track, two electives are selected at least one of which must be a laboratory course in biology. In the Biophysics Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 270/271, BIOL 291, BIOL 301, BIOL/BCBP 310, BIOL 320/321, BIOL/BCBP/CHEM 331, BIOL 350/351, BIOL 370/371, BIOL 380/381, CHEM 221, CHEM/BIOL 330, COSC 111, COSC 112, MATH 211, MATH 260, PHYS 343, or STAT 235.  For Fall 2020 UMass Course:  ANIMLSCI 581H. 

For the Biochemistry Track one elective is selected which must be a biology course with a laboratory. In the Biochemistry Track, the electives include BIOL 221, BIOL 241, BIOL/PHYS 265, BIOL 271, BIOL/BCBP 291, BIOL 301, BIOL 321, BIOL 351, BIOL/BCBP 371, or BIOL 381.

Other courses not listed here may satisfy this elective upon approval by the Advisory Committee.

The required advanced course is BCBP 400/CHEM 400/PHYS 400/BIOL 400.

DEI Requirement: Beginning with the class of 2024, the Biochemistry and Biophysics Major (both tracks) will include one course that engages with issues of systemic racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, or social justice as it pertains to science and scientific communities.  Examples of existing courses that fulfill this requirement are listed below, and updated each spring for the upcoming academic year.  Other courses not listed or offered in the Five Colleges can substitute with the approval of the chair of BCBP.  FOR AY 2021-2022; ANTH/SWAG 209 or SOCI207 Feminist Perspective on Science and Medicine; Karkazis: Fall 2021 (no cap listed); ANTH 245 Medical Anthropology; Dole: Fall 2021 (30 students); SOCI/ESCI 226: Unequal Footprints on the Earth; Holleman: Fall 2021 (18 students); CHEM/SOCI 250: Being Human in STEM; Jaswal, Trapani: JTerm 2022 (50 students); AMST 234 Indigeneity and Science; Hamilton: Spring 2022 (18 students); AMST/BLST/SWAG-296: Black Women and Reproductive Justice in the African Diaspora; Jolly: Spring 2022 (20 students).

Special Topics Course BCPB 490 may be elected for students who wish an intensive laboratory or research tutorial in Biochemistry and Biophysics with individual members of the faculty.

For completion of the major, a comprehensive requirement consists of attendance at 6 or more BCBP approved seminars during your senior year, and presentation of a paper to a committee of BCBP faculty.

Departmental Honors Program: Some majors may elect to pursue an independent research project that enables them the opportunity to graduate with honors. Candidates for the degree with honors should elect BCBP 498 and 499D.

*On leave 2021-2022.  
†On leave fall semester 2021-2022.  
‡On leave spring semester 2021-2022.  

291 Cell Structure and Function w/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Limited to 16 students.Spring semester. Visiting Lecturer Augustine. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

292 Cell Structure and Function

(Offered as BIOL 291 and BCBP 291) An analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include the cell surface and membranes, cytoskeletal elements and motility, cytoplasmic organelles and bioenergetics, the interphase nucleus and chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and cell cycle regulation. There will be four classroom hours  consisting of  both lectures and problem-solving sessions, and three hours of laboratory per week. The course  will be taught in-person, or on-line as needed. 

Requisite: BIOL 191, CHEM151/155, and CHEM161/165. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Edwards.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2021

310 Structural Biology

(Offered as BIOL 310 and BCBP 310) Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the three dimensional structure of proteins? Or what can be learned about the function of a protein from its structure? This course will concentrate on the structure of proteins at the atomic level. It will include an introduction to methods of structure determination, to structural bioinformatics, and to the visualization and representation of structural data. These tools will be used to study the relationship between function and specific structures (such as membrane, nucleic acid binding, regulatory, structural, or metabolic proteins). These proteins will provide the framework for the discussion of such concepts as domains, motifs, molecular motion, and structural homology, as well as for addressing how specific biological questions are answered at the atomic level. Two 80-minute classroom hours per week plus one hour discussion.

Requisite: BIOL 191 and CHEM 151 or 155, and CHEM 161; CHEM 221 would be helpful but is not required. Limited to 18 students. Omitted 2021-22

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2007, Fall 2012, Spring 2017, Spring 2020

331 Biochemistry

(Offered as BIOL 331, BCBP 331, and CHEM 331) Structure and function of biologically important molecules and their role(s) in life processes. Protein conformation, enzymatic mechanisms and selected metabolic pathways will be analyzed. Additional topics may include: nucleic acid conformation, DNA/protein interactions, signal transduction and transport phenomena. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory work per week. Offered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. A student may not receive credit for both CHEM/BIOL 330 and BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331.

BCBP/BIOL/CHEM 331 is a requirement for the biochemistry track of the BCBP major, so prospective BCBP majors should not enroll in CHEM/BIOL 330 if they are considering the biochemistry track of the major.

Requisite: CHEM 231 and BIOL 191; or consent of the instructor. (CHEM 231 may be taken either as a prerequisite or as a co-requisite.) Limited to 30 students. Fall semester. Professors O'Hara and Wu Orr. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

370 Molecular Genetics

(Offered as BIOL 370 and BCBP 370) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. Four classroom hours per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 15 students. Not open to first-year students. Omitted 2021-22. Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

371 Molecular Genetics W/Lab

(Offered as BIOL 371 and BCBP 371) A study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission and expression of genes. DNA replication and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and modification will be examined. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be analyzed, with an emphasis upon the regulation of gene expression. Application of modern molecular methods to biomedical and agricultural problems will also be considered. The laboratory component will focus upon recombinant DNA methodology. Four classroom hours and four hours of laboratory per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191 or equivalent. Limited to 30 students. Not open to first-year students. Fall semester.  Professor Jeong.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021

400 Molecular and Cellular Biophysics

(Offered as PHYS 400, BIOL 400, BCBP 400, and CHEM 400) How do the physical laws that dominate our lives change at the small length and energy scales of individual molecules? What design principles break down at the sub-cellular level and what new chemistry and physics becomes important? We will answer these questions by looking at bio-molecules, cellular substructures, and control mechanisms that work effectively in the microscopic world. How can we understand both the static and dynamic shape of proteins using the laws of thermodynamics and kinetics? How has the basic understanding of the smallest molecular motor in the world, ATP synthase, changed our understanding of friction and torque? We will explore new technologies, such as atomic force and single molecule microscopy that have allowed research into these areas. This course will address topics in each of the three major divisions of Biophysics: bio-molecular structure, biophysical techniques, and biological mechanisms.

Requisite: CHEM 161/165, PHYS 116/123, PHYS 117/124, BIOL 191 or evidence of equivalent coverage in pre-collegiate courses. Spring semester. Professor Carter. 

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022

490 Special Topics

Independent reading course.

Fall and spring semesters. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022

498, 499D Senior Departmental Honors

Fall semester. The Department.

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021
Department Website