Catalog Data:  This course is a detailed introduction to the chemistry of the major classes of biologically important molecules including amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.  A discussion of the role of water in biological systems, techniques for isolation and characterization of biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, regulation of enzyme activity, membrane structure and function, bioenergetics, general characteristics of metabolic pathways, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the Krebs cycle, and glycogen metabolism will be included.  The course will conclude with an introduction to signal transduction pathways.  Offered in the fall semester.  One semester, three credits.

Prerequisite: CHEM 212, 212L . Corequisite: CHEM 315L

Textbooks: 
1. Biochemistry, Fourth Edition, by D. Voet & J. G. Voet; John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2011. ISBN: 9780470570951 .
2. Biochemistry Laboratory: Modern Theory and Techniques , by Rodney Boyer, Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Company, 2006; ISBN: 9780805346138 .

Calculator Policy:  Scientific calculator is required and may be used on exams.

Goals: The course is designed to:
1) Introduce students to the properties, structures, and chemistry of the major class of biomolecules and
2) introduce students to the basic concepts required for the study of metabolism and molecular biology.

Topics:  Note: The sequence of major topics that will be covered this semester are listed below. Rate and sequence of coverage of material may vary from the schedule. Reading assignments are given in parentheses following the topic(s) and refer to the textbook. Additional reading assignments will be made during the course of the lecture.

Overview of Amino Acids and Peptides and Introductory Material (pages 65-71 & Chapter 1)
Chemistry of Water and Aqueous Solutions (Chapter 2)
Review of the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics (pages 51-56)
Amino Acids and Peptides (Chapter 4)
Protein Purification (Chapter 6)
Protein Structure (pages 161 – 175, pages 191 – 207, Chapter 8)
Protein Folding and Dynamics (Chapter 9)
Introduction to Enzymology (Chapter 13)
Enzyme Kinetics (Chapter 14)
Mechanism of Enzyme Action (Chapter 15)
Hemoglobin (Pages 182-191; Chapter 10)
Carbohydrates (Chapter 11)
Lipids and Biological Membranes (Chapter 12; pages 638 – 642)
Nucleic Acids (Chapter 5; pages 155 – 158; pages 175 – 182; pages 207 – 212; Chapter 29)
Introduction to Bioenergetics (Chapter 3; pages 566 – 571)
Introduction to Metabolism (Chapter 16)

Grading:
4 hour tests @ 100 points each 400 points
Homework 50 points
Final Examination 150 points
TOTAL:  600 points

Final Examination:  Comprehensive

Resources: CBU Internet resources

Attendance: Regular class attendance is expected.

Coordinator:  Dr. Dennis Merat