Chemistry (CHEM) 301
Introduction to Biochemistry (Revision 2)

This version of CHEM 301 closed Dec. 5/02. To current version.

Delivery modes: Individualized study
Credits: 3 - Science
Prerequisite: CHEM 350 and CHEM 360 or equivalent undergraduate courses taken at an accredited post-secondary institution.
Centre: Centre for Science
Challenge for Credit: CHEM 301 has a Challenge for Credit option.
Learn more online: Course home page

>> Overview | Outline | Evaluation | Course Materials | Special Course Features
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Overview

As a natural science, biochemical principles influence metabolic and developmental biological processes. This course explores the basic principles of biochemistry in relation to the appreciation and understanding of biological networks.

CHEM 301 focuses on the understanding of biochemical processes in the context of chemical principles; and the importance of research design and application to investigate questions in biochemistry. Because the field of biochemistry is continually evolving and touches many areas of cell biology, this course also includes an elementary introduction to the study of molecular biology.

Outline

Part I: Biomolecules

  • Unit 1 The Molecules and Chemical Reactions of Life
  • Unit 2 Amino Acids and Proteins
  • Unit 3 Simple and Complex Carbohydrates
  • Unit 4 Lipids and Membranes

Part II: Biochemical Reactions

  • Unit 5 Enzymes
  • Unit 6 Carbohydrate Metabolism
  • Unit 7 Lipid Metabolism
  • Unit 8 Amino Acid Metabolism

Part III: Molecular Genetics

  • Unit 9 DNA and RNA
  • Unit 10 Translation and the Genetic Code

Evaluation

To receive credit for CHEM 301, students must achieve a course composite grade of at least 50 percent and a grade of at least 50 percent on each of the assignments and examinations. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Assignment 1 Assignment 2 Midterm Exam Final Exam Total
20% 20% 25% 35% 100%

Course Materials

Textbook

Voet, D., and J. D. Voet. 1995. Biochemistry. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Other materials

The course materials include a study guide and a student manual.

Special Course Features

Optional electronic communication.

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice.
Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.

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This page was updated by Audrey Krawec