Courses
that Dr. Turner Lectures in at the University of Calgary

Courses involved with in the 2009/10 Academic Year

Undergraduate Courses

Independent Studies and Research in Biochemistry (BCEM 507/528/530) and in Microbiology and Molecular Biology (CMMB 507/528/530).

Dr. Turner accepts CHEM, BCEM, CMMB, ENSC, or BISC to work in his laboratory on a variety of projects directly related to the ongoing research in the lab.

Biomembrane Structure and Function (BCEM 555)

This course concentrates on the structure-function role of the membrane with emphasis on the Protein components given by Dr. Turner. Lectures are given on: membrane protein classification and purification, prediction of membrane protein topology, the characteristics of integral membrane protein structure, approaches to the investigation of membrane protein structure, targeting and insertion of membrane proteins, transporters, electron transport chains and protein translocation pathways.

Biochemical Laboratory Techniques (BCEM401)

This course covers the theory of the techniques involved in recombinant DNA methods, protein engineering as well as other common methods used in a biochemistry laboratory.

Molecular Analysis of Biological Systems (CMMB 451)

Lectures are given which cover strategies for protein purification. Additionally the use of PCR in genetic/protein engineering is discussed. The material is not covered in the same depth as in BCEM 541.  

Environmental Science (ENSC501) and/or Environmental Chemistry (CHEM421)

Contribute lectures to these courses in the area of Bioremediation approaches , including both plant (phytoremediation) and microbial approaches.

Graduate Courses

Protein and Metabolic Engineering (BCEM 731).
This is a discussion based graduate course in which Dr. Turner covers topics on the design of protein expression vectors and how to optimize protein expression in a bacterial host.  Lectures include discussions on inclusion bodies and how to solve expression problems.

Molecular Microbiology (CMMB637).
This is a new graduate course. Topics expected to cover includes bacterial two-hybrid approaches, Biofilm methodologies, protein expression systems.

Selected Topics in Biochemistry (BCEM 641)

These are discussion based graduate courses developed for individuals or small groups of students in areas including but not limited to: Ligand binding, Biogeochemistry, protein secretion, fluorescence, protein folding, protein chemistry, Biofilm physiology.These are a directed independent study course. New courses are developed based on student needs. Below lists some past courses.

- Protein Folding

Discussions cover theoretical as well as experimental approaches to the protein folding problem.

- Protein Translocation Across Cell Membranes

Examination of the different protein translocation/secretion systems in bacteria. A careful examination of the Sec and Tat systems. Also examination of some Eukaryotic systems such as TIM/TOM.


- Protein Chemistry

Discussions cover the functional groups in proteins and the various methods to modify amino acids and the applications of such chemistry.

- Protein Fluorescence

Discussions cover the photochemistry of tryptophan and tyrosine residues and how their fluorescence properties can be used to study protein structure, folding and function.

- Environmental biogeochemistry of metalloid oxyanions

Discussions cover the microbial transformation and processing of the elements Te, Se, and As.

- Protein –Ligand Interactions

This course covers approaches to study ligand binding of proteins.. Basis of ligand binding theory and biophysical methods are covered.

- Biofilm Physiology

This course overviews bacterial biofilms both in nature and clinical settings. Their physiological differences to that of planktonic cells are discussed.

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