MBB Undergraduate courses

A listing of all MBB Undergraduate courses, with those currently offered indicated, is presented below. To assist with course planning, consult goSFU .

Please note that there has been a change of requisites for MBB 222 and MBB 231 starting from Fall 2013. Please see course descriptions below.

• For a course to be accepted as fulfilling a prerequisite for any upper division MBB course, a student must have obtained a minimum grade of C, unless otherwise noted.
• Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities (778-782-3112 or e-mail: csdo@sfu.ca).
• Students wanting to miss a class or exam in order to observe a holy day for their religion may do so without penalty, but must make a written request for accommodation to the instructor during the first week of classes.
• All students are subject to and responsible for being familiar with the SFU academic integrity policy
• Students are advised to review the plagiarism tutorial
• For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons

MBB 151-3 Practicum I
First term of work experience in the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an SFU degree. Prerequisite: acceptance in the Science Co-operative Education Program.

MBB 201-3 Biochemistry of the Cell offered Spring 2016
An introduction to cellular processes with an emphasis on protein structure and function. Topics that will be explored include transcription, translation and protein synthesis, basic metabolic pathways, biomembranes, organelles, vesicle transport, the cytoskeleton and cell signaling. Prerequisite: BISC 101; CHEM 281 as prerequisite or corequisite.

MBB 222-3 Molecular Biology and Biochemistry  offered Summer 2016
The structure, function and synthesis of proteins, RNA and DNA and their inter-related biological functions within the cell.  An introduction to molecular biology techniques and methods of protein purification and analysis. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHEM 281.

MBB 231-3 Cellular Biology and Biochemistry offered Summer 2016
A study of the molecular processes which underlie cell structure and function, integrating ultrastructural, physiological and biochemical approaches. Modern techniques used in the analysis of organelle and cell function are integral parts of the course. Prerequisites: BISC 101, MBB 222 and CHEM 281 Prerequisite or Corequisite:CHEM 282 or 283.

MBB 251-3 Practicum II
Second term of work experience in the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an SFU degree. Prerequisite: acceptance in the Science Co-operative Education Program.

MBB 308-3 Molecular Biology Laboratory offered Summer 2016
Modern molecular biological and recombinant nucleic acid methods will be covered. Examples are DNA and RNA isolation, plasmid preparation, restriction enzyme digestion, DNA cloning and polymerase chain reaction. Students with credit for BISC 357 may not take this course for further credit.Prerequisite: MBB 331 with a minimum grade of C-.

MBB 309W-4 Biochemistry Laboratory  offered Summer 2016
Contemporary techniques in biochemistry including protein purification, immunochemical methods, and lipid characterization. Prerequisite: MBB 231 with a minimum grade of C. Recommended: CHEM 215 and CHEM 286 precede MBB 309W.

MBB 321-3 Intermediary Metabolism  offered Spring 2016
The enzymes and intermediates of major catabolic and anabolic pathways.  Their regulation and integration in health and disease states.  Prerequisite: MBB 231 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 322-3 Molecular Physiology  offered Spring 2016
Biochemical and molecular aspects of cellular function, interactions and communication including cell cycle, apoptosis, cancer, immune system, neuronal transmission and the signal transduction pathways that integrate them.  Prerequisite: MBB 231 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 323-3 Introduction to Physical Biochemistry offered Spring 2016
Introduction to physical biochemistry including thermodynamics, spectroscopic principles and applications, and molecular transport and interactions. The physical properties and structure determination of biomolecules will be emphasized. Prerequisite: MATH 152 (or 155), PHYS 121 (or 102, or 126, or 141), CHEM 122 (or 102), MBB 222 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 324-3 Protein Biochemistry offered Spring 2016
An exploration of the fundamental aspects of proteins; their chemical and physical nature, their synthesis, stability and turnover, as well as their structure and function. Methods of protein analysis and structure determination will be presented. Prerequisite: MBB 222 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 331-3 Molecular Biology offered Summer 2016  
The study of DNA and RNA in relation to gene structure and expression: DNA replication and the regulation of gene expression in bacteria and higher organisms. Introduction to recombinant DNA and cloning theory; natural vector structures and recombinant vector construction. Prerequisite: MBB 231 and BISC 202 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 342-3 Introductory Genomics and Bioinformatics  offered Spring 2016
Major topics in genomics and bioinformatics, with integrated discussion of associated ethical/legal/social issues. An overview of laboratory and computer-based methods to study genomes, and their applications. Hands-on computer lab session providing an opportunity to use and experiment with bioinformatics software and databases utilized in genomics and bioinformtics research.Prerequisite: MBB 231, BISC 202 and 3 units of CMPT or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 351-3 Practicum III
Third term of work experience in the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an SFU degree. Prerequisite: acceptance in the Science Co-operative Education Program.

MBB 400-1 Special Topics in Biotechnology and Business offered Fall 2015
A survey of the legal, economic and social aspects of technology transfer in the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology presented by a series of local experts. Topics will include patents, contracts, intellectual property, capitalization and others. The format will be a formal lecture followed by a workshop. Prerequisite: completion of the second year in the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Business Administration joint major or equivalent experience.

MBB 402-3 Developmental Biology of Cell Signallingoffered Fall 2015
Aspects of developmental biology in the context of signal transduction pathways. The diverse mechanisms used in cell signalling and how the various approaches to the study of signal transduction in organismal development complement each other will be examined with an emphasis on current literature.Prerequisite: MBB 331 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 420-3 Selected Topics in Contemporary Biochemistryoffered Summer 2016  
The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: will be announced before the start of the term and will depend upon the nature of the topic offered.

MBB 421-3 Nucleic Acidsoffered Fall 2015
Recent literature is examined for insights into the structure and properties of DNA and RNA, drawing on a variety of biochemical, chemical and molecular biological perspectives. Prerequisite: MBB 331 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 422-3 Biomembranesoffered Fall 2015
A review of recent research on the structure, dynamics, function and biosynthesis of membranes, membrane lipids and proteins. Prerequisite: MBB 322 and MBB309W.

MBB 423-3 Protein Structure and Functionoffered Spring 2015
Through examination of modern research literature, students will learn to assess primary literature reports of structure data, and to formulate hypotheses and apply structural reasoning in investigations of molecular mechanism.Prerequisite: MBB 323 or MBB 324.

MBB 424-3 Membrane Transport Mechanisms 
Structure and function of molecules that mediate transport across membranes including channels, carriers, and pumps. Primary literature from the fields of biochemistry and physiology will be explored through lectures and independent study. Prerequisite: MBB 321, 322 and either MBB 323 or CHEM 360 with a minimum grade of C. Students who have taken MBB 420 under the same topic may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 426-4 Immune System I: Basis of Innate and Adaptive Immunity offered Fall 2015
The basic organization of the immune system, including structure, function and genetics of antibodies, T-cell receptors, innate immune receptors, and the complement system. Innate, antibody and cellular immune responses and their control, and development of the cells involved in these responses. Prerequisite: MBB 331 with a minimum grade of C. Students who have taken HSCI 325 or 426 cannot take MBB 426 for further credit.

MBB 427-3 Immune System II: Immune Responses in Health and Disease  offered Spring 2016
The immunologic response to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, immunological diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency, hypersensitivity reactions (including asthma and allergy) and transplantation-rejection reactions. Immunotherapeutics and vaccine development. Prerequisite: MBB 426 or HSCI 426 with a minmum grade of C. MBB 427 is identical to HSCI 427 and students cannot receive credit for both courses.

MBB 428-3 Microbial Pathogenesis  offered Spring 2016
The molecular strategies that bacterial and viral pathogens use to colonize the human body and cause disease will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on specific microbes and their virulence factors, secretion systems, toxins and surface adhesins. Strategies for combating microbial infections - antibiotics, antiviral agents and vaccines - will be discussed in detail. Prerequisite: MBB 322 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 429-3 RNA-mediated Gene Regulation  offered Summer 2016
RNA plays an important role in gene regulation. This course will explore recent primary literature studying the biochemistry of these processes. Prerequisite: MBB 331: Molecular Biology. Students who have taken MBB 420 under the same title cannot take this course for further credit.

MBB 430-3 Mechanisms of Secretory Transportoffered Spring 2015
Analysis of mechanisms of protein, lipid, and nucleic acid delivery and transport within cells; processes of protein targeting, exocytosis, and endocytosis; molecular mechanisms of vesicle transport and membrane fusion; role in signal transduction and disease. Prerequisite: MBB 322 and MBB 331 .

MBB 431-3 Cells and Diseaseoffered Spring 2016
The cellular basis of selected chronic diseases such as cancer and polycystic kidney disease will be explored in-depth. Through the use of lectures and group discussions and an emphasis on the primary literature, the focus will be on recent developments in the study of these diseases. Prerequisite: MBB 322 and 331 with a minimum grade of C. Students who have taken MBB 440 under the same title cannot take this course for further credit.

MBB 432-3 Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques  
Laboratory with accompanying lectures designed to give practical experience in advanced contemporary molecular biology techniques. Lab exercises will include site-directed mutagenesis, preparation and characterization of GST-fusion proteins, construction of transgenes and their expression in transgenic organisms, and use of the yeast two-hybrid assay to study protein-protein interactions. Prerequisite: MBB 308 and 331 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 436-3 Gene Expressionoffered Spring 2016
Lectures and student presentations will cover the wide range of ways in which organisms (primarily eukaryotes) regulate gene expression along the pathway from DNA to protein. Prerequisite: MBB 331 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 437-3 Selected Topics in Signal Transduction offered Spring 2013
An investigation of how biochemistry, cell biology and genetics is used to study the diverse mechanisms used in cell signaling along with an exploration of how the various approaches to studying signal transduction complement each other.Prerequisite: MBB 321, MBB 322 and MBB 331 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 438-3 Human Molecular Genetics offered Spring 2015
The advances in human molecular genetics including genome analysis, gene therapy, genetic testing, and studies of genetic disorders.Prerequisite: MBB 331 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 440-3 Selected Topics in Contemporary Molecular Biology offered Fall 2015
The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: will depend upon the nature of the topic offered. Corequisite: will depend upon the nature of the topic offered.

MBB 441-3 Bioinformatics
Lectures and hands-on instruction at the computer in the use of, and theory behind, bioinformatic software and algorithms for the analysis of macromolecular data. Prerequisite: MBB 331 and MBB 342.

MBB 442-3 Proteomics offered Spring 2014
Proteomics concerns the analysis of the entire complement of proteins expressed by an organism. This course will consider protein sequence alignment, sequence database scanning, classification of protein structures, prediction of protein structure and function, and evolution of protein function. Prerequisite: MBB 321, MBB 322 and MBB 342.

MBB 443-3 Protein Biogenesis and DegradationCANCELLED - offered Summer 2016
A consideration of protein biogenesis (folding, assembly, and targeting to cellular compartments), modification, and degradation, and their roles in protein and cellular function. Prerequisite: MBB 321 and MBB 322 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 444-3 Developmental Neurobiology
Examination of recent literature on neuronal growth cones and axonal guidance. Cell cultural, biochemical, and molecular genetic approaches will be emphasized in assessing guidance cues. Prerequisite: MBB 331 with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 446-3 Cell Death and Cell Survival offered Spring 2016
An examination of various types of cell death and cell survival mechanisms and their relationship to disease with a focus on cancer and therapeutic strategies. Students who took MBB 440 with the same title may not take MBB 446 for further credit. Prerequisite: MBB 322 and MBB 331 or permission of the instructor.

MBB 451-3 Practicum IV
Fourth term of work experience in the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an SFU degree. Prerequisite: acceptance in the Science Co-operative Education Program.

MBB 452-3 Practicum V
Fifth term of work experience in the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an SFU degree. Prerequisite: acceptance in the Science Co-operative Education Program.

MBB 461-3 Comparative Genomicsoffered Fall 2014
Examination of the fundamentals of comparative genomics, identification and activity of functional elements in genomes, inter- and intra-species comparisons, relationship of genomic to phenotypic variation, and personalized genomics are among the topics to be explored. Comparison of genome data has impacts on medicine and many other fields of the life sciences. Students who have completed MBB 440 Comparative Genomics may not complete this course for further credit.Prerequisite: MBB 331 and MBB 342.

MBB 462-3 Human Genomicsoffered Spring 2015
The organization of the human genome and the role of genomic variation in health and disease. Genomics and personalized medicine; intellectual property and privacy issues. Prerequisite: MBB 331 and MBB342 with a minimum grade of C. Students with credit for MBB 440 with this same course title may not complete this course for further credit.

MBB 463-3 Forensic Genomicsoffered Summer 2016
A focus on the molecular and genomic biology associated with forensic science, including genome structure, genotyping, genetic analysis of DNA fingerprints, DNA databases and CODIS, Y STRs, mtDNA and ethical considerations of DNA typing. Prerequisite: MBB 331. Students with credit for MBB 440 with this same course title may not complete this course for further credit.

MBB 471-1 Undergraduate Colloquium
Recent research articles on the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular activities or on the structure, function and interactions of macromolecules will be presented and discussed by students and faculty. This course will be available for MBB undergraduates to take once for undergraduate credit and will be offered in conjunction with MBB 821,822, 823, 861, or 863. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MBB 481-5 Individual Study Semester - Honours Thesis
Part 1 of 3-part Honours degree program, the individual study semester (ISS). The ISS provides students with the opportunity to carry out full time laboratory research in molecular biology and biochemistry. Students are required to submit a written research proposal and an Honours thesis. The grade for MBB 481 encompasses the research design aspect of the ISS, consisting of the Honours thesis. proposal and final report. Prerequisite: enrolment in the MBB, Biological Physics Honours Program, MBB308, MBB 309W and MBB 331, a minimum 3.0 CGPA and 3.0 UDGPA and permission of the MBB department. Students may not receive credit for both MBB 481-5 and MBB 493. Required corequisites: MBB 482-5 and MBB 483-5.

MBB 482-5 Individual Study Semester - Research Performance
Part 2 of a 3-part Honours degree program, the individual study semester (ISS). The ISS provides students with the opportunity to carry out full time laboratory research in molecular biology and biochemistry. The grade for MBB 482 encompasses the research performance component of the ISS. Prerequisite: enrolment in the MBB or Biological Physics Honours Program, a minimum 3.0 CGPA and 3.0 UDGPA and permission of the MBB department. Required corequisites: MBB 481-5 and MBB 483-5.

MBB 483-5 Individual Study Semester - Honours Research Defense
Part 3 of a 3-part Honours degree program, the individual study semester (ISS). The ISS provides students with the opportunity to carry out full time laboratory research in molecular biology and biochemistry. The grade for MBB 483 encompasses the thesis defense component of the ISS. Prerequisite: enrolment in the MBB or Biological Physics Honours Program, a minimum 3.0 CGPA and 3.0 UDGPA and permission of the MBB department. Students may not receive credit for both MBB 483-5 and MBB 493-15. Corequisites: MBB 481-5 and MBB 482-5.

MBB 490-2 Directed Readings in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Directed reading in a topic of molecular biology or biochemistry chosen in consultation with a supervisor. Before seeking approval for enrolment in this course, the student should have already obtained the agreement of a faculty member that he/she is willing to supervise the project, and have prepared a written proposal (of approximately one page) stating the nature of the directed reading topic. The course will include the preparation of a written term paper on the topic chosen. Prerequisite: MBB 231 and permission of the molecular biology and biochemistry department. Usually, upper level standing with at least 60 units in a Biochemistry major, minor or Honours program will be required.

 MBB 491-5 Independent Study Semester
Part time laboratory research in an area of molecular biology or biochemistry for preparation of a thesis in molecular biology and biochemistry. Before seeking approval for enrolment in this course, the student should already have obtained the agreement of a Simon Fraser University faculty member that he/she is willing to supervise the project, and have prepared a written proposal (of approximately 1-2 pages) stating the nature of the research project. The course will include the preparation of a written research report on the results of the project, and may also, at the discretion of the supervisor, include an oral presentation of the results. Prerequisite: MBB 231 and permission of the molecular biology and biochemistry department. Usually, upper level standing with at least 60 units in a molecular biology and biochemistry major, minor or Honours program will be required.

MBB 492-10 Individual Study Semester
Full time laboratory research in an area of molecular biology or biochemistry for preparation of a thesis for the Honours degree in molecular biology and biochemistry. This course is available to Honours students who have already taken MBB 491, or who plan to break an individual studies project into two terms (see below). The course will include the preparation of a comprehensive written research report on the results of the project, and may also, at the discretion of the supervisor, include an oral presentation of the results. Prerequisite: permission of the department.

MBB 496-6 Independent Study Semester: Joint Honours MBB-BUS or CMPT-MBB
Directed reading and part-time scientific research in an area of molecular biology or biochemistry. This course is intended only for those students taking a joint MBB/BUS or MBB/CS Honours degree. Before seeking approval for enrolment in this course, the student should already have obtained the agreement of a faculty member that he/she is willing to supervise the project, and have prepared a written proposal (of approximately 1-2 pages) stating the nature of the research readings and project. The course will include preparation of a written report on the results of the project, and may, at the discretion of the supervisor, include an oral presentation of the results. Prerequisite: 75 units and upper division standing in an MBB joint Honours program, and MBB 308. Students who take MBB 496 are not allowed to take MBB 491, 492 or 493 with the same faculty supervisor.