Biochemistry

Introduction to Biochemistry is a course that delves into the chemistry of macromolecules including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates and other biological reactions such as buffers, enzyme kinetics and metabolic pathways.  Students will learn about their chemical structure, mechanisms and processes and gain a fundamental understanding of what makes living systems tick at the molecular level. This course is a hands-on course that includes lab techniques including protein separation, electrophoresis and titrations.  

Biochemistry Unit Outline

• Water (properties, osmoregulation,colligative properties, pH, blood buffering)

• Functional Groups and Nomenclature 

• Macromolecules (Structure, Function, Applications)

  • Carbohydrates

  • Lipids

  • Proteins

  • Nucleic acids

• Enzymes(classification, role in reactions, environmental effects on enzymes, kinetics)

• Vitamins (fat-soluble, water-soluble, deficiencies)

• Metabolism

  • Carbohydrates 

    • Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis

    • Glycogenesis and Glycogenolysis

  • Lipids

    • Beta oxidation and fatty acid synthesis

    • Ketone body production

  • Proteins (amino acids)

    • Urea cycle

  • Nutrition (food calories, diets, exercise)

  • Diseases