BIOL 4400 Molecular Biology
This course will explore the structure, function, synthesis and interaction of nucleic acids and proteins. The mechanisms involved in maintaining cellular genetic and epigenetic information, and in reading this "code" to generate specific patterns of gene expression, will be studied in detail. Topics include classic and newly-developed techniques for studying macromolecules; biotechnology; the functional organization of chromosomes; protein folding and modifications; DNA replication, repair and supercoiling; RNA synthesis and processing; translation and the levels of gene regulation. Literature from the foundational investigations that led to our understanding of these processes and the current research in these areas will be presented.
Course overview
- Department
- Biology
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Annually
Catalog details
Requirements fulfilled
- Biology B.A.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biochemistry B.S.: CHEM4473 Physical Chemistry for Biochemistry majors (3 credits) CHEM4461–4462 Biochemistry I and II; or BIOL4350 Biological Chemistry and BIOL4400 Molecular Biology (6 credits) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.39 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.55 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Anthony Annunziato | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 1–3 hrs/week | 26 of 30 |
| Spring 2025 | Anthony Annunziato | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4–6 hrs/week | 55 of 66 |
| Spring 2024 | Anthony Annunziato | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 1–3 hrs/week | 63 of 70 |
| Spring 2023 | Anthony Annunziato | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 1–3 hrs/week | 58 of 67 |
| Spring 2022 | Anthony Annunziato | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 1–3 hrs/week | 16 of 34 |