Jan 24, 2026  
USC Catalogue 2015-2016 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Catalogue Home
  About USC
  Administration
  Admission and Orientation
  Tuition and Fees
  The Schools
  Courses of Instruction
  Interdisciplinary Programs
  Schedule of Classes
  Academic and University Policies
  Undergraduate Education
  Graduate and Professional Education
  The Graduate School
  About the Catalogue
  Past Catalogues
HELP
USC Catalogue 2015-2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC  

1333 San Pablo Street, MCA 51-A
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9151
(323) 442-1145
FAX: (323) 442-2494
Email: janet.stoeckert@usc.edu
http://keck.usc.edu/en/Education/Academic_Department_and_
Divisions/Department_of_Biochemistry_and_Molecular_Biology.aspx
usc.edu/pibbs

Faculty

Michael R. Stallcup, Chair and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Zoltan A. Tokes, Vice Chair for Master of Science Program

Joseph G. Hacia, Vice Chair for Medical Education

Catherine and Joseph Aresty Chair in Urologic Research: Chih-Lin Hsieh

Ralph Edgington Chair in Medicine: Zea Borok

Judy and Larry Freeman Chair in Basic Science Research: Amy S. Lee

H. Leslie Hoffman and Elaine S. Hoffman Chair in Cancer Research: Peter A. Jones

William M. Keck Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Peggy Farnham

J. Harold and Edna L. LaBriola Chair in Genetic Orthopaedic Research: Baruch Frenkel

Rita and Edward Polusky Chair in Basic Cancer Research: Michael Lieber

Provost Professor of Medicine and Pharmacy: Michael Kahn

Professors: N. Arnheim (Biological Sciences); Z. Borok (Medicine); E. Cadenas (Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology); P.V. Danenberg; Y.A. De Clerck (Medicine); R. Farley (Physiology and Biophysics); P. Farnham; B. Frenkel (Orthopaedics); C.L. Hsieh (Urology); D. Johnson; M. Kahn; V.K. Kalra; R. Langen; A.S. Lee; M. Lieber (Pathology); F.S. Markland, Jr.; R.E. Maxson; M.E. Nimni (Pediatrics); P. Patel; D. Polk (Pediatrics); M.R. Stallcup; Z. Tokes; A. Warshel (Chemistry/Nobel Prize)

Associate Professors: W. An; P. Cannon (Pediatrics); I.S. Haworth (Pharmacy); J. Hacia; Y. Hong (Surgery); I. Laird-Offringa (Surgery); P. Laird (Surgery); R.D. Mosteller; S. Reddy; J. Rice; H. Sucov (Cell and Neurobiology); T. Ulmer

Assistant Professors: R. Bajpai (Dentistry); S. Curran (Bio-Gerontology); M. Frey (Pediatrics); A. Kobielak (Otolaryngology); C. Lien (Pediatrics); A. Merrill (Dentistry); W. Lu; A. Siemer

Assistant Professors of Research: T. Miki; S. Swenson; D. Weisenberger; S. Zhong

The USC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology prides itself on maintaining a broad-based approach to various aspects of biochemical and molecular biological research. In 2010, the department received more than $10 million in research funding for its primary faculty members.

Altogether, the department numbers 49 primary and joint-appointment faculty members, who conduct research in a variety of areas including: molecular biology and genetics of development and cell differentiation; mammalian and human genetics; DNA methylation, replication, recombination and repair; membrane transport; kinetics and mechanism of enzyme action; protein structure-function interrelationships; carcinogenesis and cancer chemotherapy; and stem-cell biology.

The department also has major research programs in the molecular basis of control and regulation of gene expression, epigenetics, molecular mechanisms of signal processing and transduction, developmental and stem cell biology, detailed analysis of macromolecular structure and function, the biochemistry and molecular biology of the brain, and genetic medicine including gene therapy.

The department’s exceptionally strong research into various aspects of the biochemistry and cell biology of cancer is internationally recognized. Ongoing research programs in this area include mechanism of action of cancer chemotherapeutic agents, tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and cancer cell epigenetics and gene regulation.

Many members of the department are members of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, USC Institute for Genetic Medicine (IGM), USC Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute (ZNI), Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center maintains a microchemical core facility that includes capabilities for gas phase protein sequencing, amino acid analysis, peptide synthesis, DNA synthesis and sequencing. The Institute for Genetic Medicine maintains a customized microarray core facility. Other facilities available to support the research of members of the department include mass spectroscopy, transgenic mice, flow-cytometry, biostatistics, microchemical resource for DNA, and protein sequencing and synthesis core facilities.

The primary offices and laboratories of the department are located on the Health Sciences Campus.

Graduate Programs

Admissions

The prerequisite for applicants to the graduate program in biochemistry and molecular biology is a bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate major in one of the natural sciences. Undergraduate course work should have included organic chemistry, the physics and mathematics required of a chemistry major and some courses in the biological sciences. A course in general biochemistry is also required, but may be taken during the period of graduate study. Previous course work in physical chemistry is strongly recommended. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the natural sciences (including mathematics) is normally required.

Applicants must pass satisfactorily the general portions of the Graduate Record Examinations. In addition, the department requires at least three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate work and independent research.

Faculty members of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology participate in a variety of interdisciplinary PhD programs. Students interested in pursuing a PhD degree in the fields related to biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and genetics should apply to USC’s Programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (PIBBS). Applications for the PhD Programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences should be submitted online through the PIBBS Website (usc.edu/pibbs).

Applications should be submitted before the application due date specified on the PIBBS Website. Applications for the MS program in biochemistry and molecular biology can be obtained from the department at the address listed below. In addition to the university application, a supplemental departmental application must be completed and returned with transcripts, GRE scores and letters of recommendation to: Graduate Admissions Committee, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1333 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9151.

Fellowships

Students admitted to PIBBS are awarded fellowships which pay for tuition and provide a stipend. No fellowships are available for master’s degree students.

Programs

Master’s Degree

Courses

Biochemistry

  • BIOC 501 Recent Advances in Biochemistry

    Units: 2, 3, 4
    Max Units: 16.0
    Terms Offered: Fa
    Lectures on areas of intermediary metabolism and the chemistry of natural products.
    Prerequisite: BISC 435 , CHEM 430a , CHEM 430b .
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

  • BIOC 502 Biochemistry Seminar

    Units: 1
    Max Units: 12.0
    Terms Offered: FaSp
    Formal presentations and discussion by students of material from research literature.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

  • BIOC 504 Molecular Biology of Cancer

    Units: 4
    Terms Offered: Sp
    (Enroll in INTD 504 )

  • BIOC 510 Introductory Molecular Biology

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: Sp
    Principles of molecular biology with applications to the medical sciences. Nucleic acid structure, function, and analysis.
    Recommended Preparation: a course in biochemistry.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

  • BIOC 512 Molecular Basis of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: Irregular
    An advanced seminar course in molecular cell biology, discussing current literature with significant impact on the understanding of the cell cycle and differentiation of various cell types.
    Recommended Preparation: basic cell biology and molecular biology. (Frenkel)
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

  • BIOC 522 Applications of Physical Methods in Biochemistry

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: FaSp
    Applications of physical analytical methods commonly utilized in research in biochemistry and molecular biology.
    Concurrent Enrollment: Concurrent enrollment: CHEM 521 . (Langen)
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

  • BIOC 531 Cell Biology

    Units: 4
    (Enroll in INTD 531 )

  • BIOC 536 Molecular Biology of Cellular Communication in the Nervous System

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: Sp
    Discussion of cellular communications in the nervous system through neurotransmitters and their receptors, neuromodulators; biochemical changes during development and the impact of human genomic research.
    Recommended Preparation: one year of general biochemistry or molecular biology. (Tokes)
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

  • BIOC 542 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Animal Development

    Units: 4
    Terms Offered: Fa
    Processes of cell type specification, determination, and morphogenesis in metazoans from vertebrates to insects. Genetic, paragenetic and molecular biological approaches to developmental processes.
    Prerequisite: INTD 571 . (Maxson)
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

  • BIOC 543 Human Molecular Genetics

    Units: 4
    Terms Offered: Fa
    Comprehensive course covering basic principles of human genetics, genetic disease, the Human Genome Project, and gene therapy.
    Recommended Preparation: undergraduate genetics. (Allayee)
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

    Crosslisted as PM-549

  • BIOC 549 Protein Chemistry – Structure and Function

    Units: 4
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    (Enroll in INTD 549 )

  • BIOC 551 Procaryotic Molecular Genetics

    Units: 4
    Terms Offered: Fa
    (Enroll in MICB 551 )

  • BIOC 555 Biochemical and Molecular Bases of Disease

    Units: 4
    (Enroll in INTD 555 )

  • BIOC 561 Molecular Biology

    Units: 4
    Terms Offered: Fa
    (Enroll in INTD 561 )

  • BIOC 571 Biochemistry

    Units: 4
    Terms Offered: Fa
    (Enroll in INTD 571 )

  • BIOC 573 Optimal Research Presentations by PhD Students

    Units: 1
    Max Units: 12.0
    Terms Offered: FaSp
    Students will attend lectures by peers, and after their first year in the PhD program, prepare and present their own research to an audience of faculty and peers.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Credit/No Credit

  • BIOC 574 Systems Physiology and Disease II

    Units: 4
    Terms Offered: Sp
    (Enroll in INTD 573 )

  • BIOC 575 Predictive and Prognostic Biomarkers in Cancer Treatment

    Units: 2
    Exploration of how appropriate biomarkers can predict response to cancer therapy, tumor recurrence after surgery, rapid detection of tumor response and overall prognosis.
    Recommended Preparation: INTD 571  and a basic understanding of molecular biology.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

  • BIOC 590 Directed Research

    Units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Credit/No Credit

  • BIOC 594a Master’s Thesis

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    Credit on acceptance of thesis.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: In-progress to Credit/No Credit

  • BIOC 594b Master’s Thesis

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    Credit on acceptance of thesis.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: In-progress to Credit/No Credit

  • BIOC 594z Master’s Thesis

    Units: 0
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    Credit on acceptance of thesis.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: In-progress to Credit/No Credit

  • BIOC 599 Special Topics

    Units: 2, 3, 4
    Max Units: 8.0
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

  • BIOC 601 Molecular Biology of Gene Regulation

    Units: 2
    Max Units: 8.0
    Terms Offered: FaSp
    Current techniques and systems in molecular biology from an interdisciplinary perspective: microbiological, biochemical, and pharmaceutical.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

    Crosslisted as PSCI-601

  • BIOC 604 Current Topics in Animal Development

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: Sp
    (Enroll in CNB 604 )
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Letter

  • BIOC 604 Current Topics in Animal Development

    Units: 2
    (Enroll in CNB 604 )

  • BIOC 790 Research

    Units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: Credit/No Credit

  • BIOC 794a Doctoral Dissertation

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    Credit on acceptance of dissertation.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: In-progress to Credit/No Credit

  • BIOC 794b Doctoral Dissertation

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    Credit on acceptance of dissertation.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: In-progress to Credit/No Credit

  • BIOC 794c Doctoral Dissertation

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    Credit on acceptance of dissertation.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: In-progress to Credit/No Credit

  • BIOC 794d Doctoral Dissertation

    Units: 2
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    Credit on acceptance of dissertation.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: In-progress to Credit/No Credit

  • BIOC 794z Doctoral Dissertation

    Units: 0
    Terms Offered: FaSpSm
    Credit on acceptance of dissertation.
    Instruction Mode: Lecture
    Grading Option: In-progress to Credit/No Credit