Course Description
Introductory biochemistry presented from a chemical perspective. Topics include amino acids, proteins and enzymes, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, membranes, and carbohydrate catabolism.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Explain the key concepts and enzymes involved in the central dogma of biology
- Draw the 20 amino acids, use them to make peptides, and explain their biochemical properties.
- Draw and interpret the reaction mechanism of enzymes, such as serine proteases.
- Design a method to purify a protein
- Explain the chemical steps and purpose of the glycolysis pathway and TCA cycle.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| 11 Homework assignments | 15% |
| 4 Exams: lowest score | 10% |
| 4 Exams: other 3 | 75% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 93-100% | A |
| 90-92% | A– |
| 87-89% | B+ |
| 83-86% | B |
| 80-82% | B– |
| 77-79% | C+ |
| 73-76% | C |
| 70-72% | C– |
| <70% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance will not be taken for this course.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Berg, Gatto, Hines, Tymoczko, and Stryer, “Biochemistry”, 10th edition. Students have the option of purchasing either the hardcopy, or the eBook via Macmillan Achieve (cheaper than the hardcopy)
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.