BackBiochemistry Course Syllabus and Weekly Module Overview
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Course Structure and Weekly Topics
This syllabus outlines the weekly schedule, main topics, and laboratory activities for a college-level Biochemistry course. The course covers foundational concepts in organic and biological chemistry, with a focus on the structure, function, and reactivity of biomolecules. Students are expected to participate in online lectures, discussions, quizzes, and in-person laboratory sessions.
Course Organization
Online Lectures: Weekly slide packet topics and chapter references.
Assignments: Homework discussions, quizzes, and online homework due by specified dates.
Laboratory Sessions: In-person labs on Fridays, covering experimental techniques and applications.
Weekly Module Schedule
Week | Lecture Topics | Assignments | Lab Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
4 | Ch 11: Introduction, Organic Compounds, Alkanes | Introductory Discussion, Homework Discussion #1, Quiz 1, Topic Discussion #1, Online HW, Syllabus/Proctoring Prep, Quiz #1 | Orientation, Safety Training, Nomenclature Review, Safety Quiz |
5 | Ch 12: Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: Alkenes, Alkynes, Aromatics | Homework Discussion #2, Quiz 2, Topic Discussion #2, Online HW, Quiz #2 | Expt. 2: Hydrocarbons, Dry Lab: Naming Organic Compounds |
6 | Ch 13: Functional Groups: Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Thiols | Homework Discussion #3, Exam 1 | Expt. 3: Reaction of Alcohols |
7 | Ch 14: Functional Groups: Aldehydes, and Ketones | Homework Discussion #4, Quiz 3, Topic Discussion #3, Online HW, Quiz #3 | Expt. 4: Reaction of Aldehydes and Ketones |
8 | Ch 15: Carboxylic Acids and Esters; Ch 17: Acetal Ketals & Carbs (Carbohydrates) part 1 | Homework Discussion #5, Topic Discussion #5, Online HW, Quiz #4 | Dry Lab: Aldehyde Ketone Acetal/Ketal Reactions Worksheet, Dry Lab: Alkene Reactions |
9 | Ch 17: Acetal Ketals & Carbs (Carbohydrates) pt 2&3; Ch 18: Lipids | Homework Discussion #6, Exam 2 | Expt. 6: Synthesis of Aspirin and Other Esters |
10 | Ch 16: Amines and Amides; Ch 19: Proteins part 1 | Homework Discussion #7, Quiz 5, Topic Discussion #7, Online HW, Quiz 5 | Expt. 5: Reaction of Carboxylic Acids, Amines, and Amide |
11 | Ch 19: Proteins parts 2&3; Ch 20: Enzymes part 1 | Homework Discussion #8, Quiz 6, Topic Discussion #8, Quiz 6 | Expt. 7: Identifying Functional Groups in Unknown |
12 | Ch 20: Enzymes part 2; Ch 21: Nucleic Acids | Homework Discussion #9, Exam 3, Topic Discussion #9 | Dry Lab: -OH, C=O functional group run, Dry Lab: Amine and Amide reactions |
13 | Ch 22: Nutrition; Ch 23, 24: Carbohydrate, Fat and Amino Acid Metabolism | Homework Discussion #10, Exam 4, Topic Discussion #10 | Expt. 8: A Study of Carbohydrate |
14 & Finals | Ch 25: Body Fluids | Homework Discussion #11, Final Exam, Topic Discussion #11, Cumulative Final Exam | Expt. 11: Extraction of DNA from Wheat Germ |
Key Biochemistry Topics Covered
Organic Compounds and Functional Groups
Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Aromatics: Introduction to hydrocarbon structure, bonding, and nomenclature.
Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Thiols: Properties, reactions, and biological significance.
Aldehydes and Ketones: Structure, reactivity, and role in metabolism.
Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, Amides: Functional group chemistry and their importance in biomolecules.
Biomolecules and Biological Chemistry
Carbohydrates: Structure, classification (monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides), and function in energy storage and cell structure.
Lipids: Types (fats, oils, phospholipids, steroids), structure, and biological roles.
Proteins: Amino acid structure, peptide bonds, protein folding, and function.
Enzymes: Mechanism of action, enzyme kinetics, and regulation.
Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation.
Metabolism and Nutrition
Carbohydrate, Fat, and Amino Acid Metabolism: Overview of metabolic pathways, energy production, and regulation.
Body Fluids: Composition and function in physiological processes.
Laboratory Skills and Applications
Experimental Techniques: Safety training, chemical reactions, synthesis, and identification of biomolecules.
Data Analysis: Recording observations, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions from experiments.
Important Dates and Policies
Check Canvas and SelfService for the most up-to-date schedule and assignment deadlines.
Mandatory safety training and quizzes are required before participating in laboratory sessions.
Final exam and major assessments are scheduled at the end of the semester.
Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the topics and skills essential for success in a college-level Biochemistry course, integrating both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience.
