An exploration of contemporary issues in biochemistry based largely on primary literature. Topics such as the biosynthesis and mode of action of antibiotics, protein engineering, signal transduction, chemical carcinogenesis, and isotope effects in enzyme kinetics will be addressed in detail. Lecture, three hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 307 or BIOL 316 or BIOL 317 or CHEM 307 or CHEM 316.