10007121Applied Biochemistry
Course Information
Description
This course is an introduction to the major chemical constituents of cells including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. The structure and kinetics of enzymes, reaction mechanisms and metabolic pathways will also be covered. Mechanisms of protein structure and interactions will be discussed and an introduction to the behavior of membranes and their roles in signal transduction and ion channels will be presented. Laboratory exercises will emphasize some of the major aspects of this course and will emphasize quantitative properties.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Describe the importance of water as the solvent in biochemical systems.
    Assessment Strategies
    through the completion of written assignments
    through written exams
    through analysis of laboratory data
    Criteria
    learner is able to describe the unique chemical properties of water that make it such a good solvent.
    learner understands the importance of buffering in biological systems.

  2. Examine the importance of the three dimensional nature of proteins for biological processes.
    Assessment Strategies
    through the completion of written assignments
    through written exams
    Criteria
    learner explains how protein mutations lead to disease phenotype in the model of sickle cell anemia
    learner describes the levels of protein structure
    learner identifies the chemical bonds that determine the structure of proteins

  3. Explore the biochemical interactions determining the structure of proteins.
    Assessment Strategies
    through molecular modeling activities
    through written assignments
    through exams
    Criteria
    learner identifies the relationship between protein structure and function using hemoglobin as a model
    learner understands allosteric interaction in hemoglobin

  4. Understand the importance of enzymes and catalysis in biochemical systems.
    Assessment Strategies
    through the completion of written assignments
    through the completion of thermodynamics problem sets
    through the completion of written explanations of laboratory data
    through written exams
    through the completion of a metabolism and disease poster project
    Criteria
    learner understands the concept of activation energy in reaction mechanisms
    learner quantifies thermodynamic properties that relate to catalysis
    learner identifies spontaneity of reactions
    learner explores the importance of coupling reactions
    learner examines the importance of catalysis in metabolic pathways and relates metabolism to disease pathways

  5. Explore the biochemical interactions driving the catalytic nature of enzymes.
    Assessment Strategies
    through the completion of written assignments
    through the completion of an essay format take-home exam
    through the completion of quantitative kinetics problem sets
    through the completion of laboratory work
    through the completion of a formal laboratory report
    Criteria
    learner describes the catalytic mechanisms of individual enzymes
    learner graphs kinetic data from reactions
    learner explores Michaelis-Menten kinetics
    learner quantifies Km, and Vmax from kinetics reactions
    learner explores mechanisms of enzyme inhibition

  6. Examine the pathways responsible for cellular communication.
    Assessment Strategies
    through oral discussion of animations
    through a written exam
    through discussion of a laboratory model illustrating cellular communication
    Criteria
    learner understands the importance of cellular signaling
    learner describes a basic receptor-mediated signaling pathway
    learner describes the biochemical interactions governing signaling pathways
    learner explores how ion channels play an integral part in cellular response
    learner explains how the opening and closing of ion channels are regulated