Course Guide
This contains the topics and goals of the course. Parts of the course guide can also be downloaded here.
3. Weekly Schedule
The table below shows in which weeks and sessions specific modules will be taken up.
|
Week No. |
Topic |
Topic Outcome |
Time Frame (hr) |
Learning Activities |
Learning Resources |
|
1 |
Orientation
Introduction to Biochemistry
Buffers - Definition of acid, bases, pH, pKa - Henderson-Hasselbalch equation - Titration curves |
- Relate biochemistry to the life sciences, particularly of biology and medicine
- Explain how buffers work in biological systems
- Solve problems on buffers
|
1.0
0.5
|
Synchronous through Zoom or other online meeting platform
Watch video/ Read module
Problem solving exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks
|
|
Amino Acids and pI |
- Explain the physiological and chemical properties of amino acids especially their function as biological buffers - Classify the amino acids according to their structures and properties |
1.5 |
Watch video/ read module
Solve problems and exercises |
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
2 |
Proteins: Structure and Function - Peptide bond - Levels of protein organization (collagen, hemoglobin) - Functions (catalytic, immunological, structural, etc.) |
- Explain how the nature of amino acids affect protein structure - Discuss the different functions of proteins in relation to their structures
|
1.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises |
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
Proteins: Isolation and Characterization Techniques |
- Differentiate techniques in isolating and purifying proteins and their applications
|
1.5
|
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
3 |
Proteins: Enzymes - Classification - Kinetics (Michaelis-Menten, Lineweaver-Burk) - Inhibition (irreversible, competitive, noncompetitive, uncompetitive)
|
- Discuss the concepts of enzyme catalysis - Differentiate types of inhibitors on enzyme catalysis - Solve problems involving enzyme kinetics
|
1.5
|
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks
|
|
- Factors affecting kinetics - Minerals, coenzymes, cofactors - Multienzyme complexes (pingpong, ordered, random, sequential) |
- Differentiate enzyme and multi-enzyme complexes |
1.5
|
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
4 |
FIRST EXAM |
||||
|
Nucleic Acids: Structure, Properties and Function - Central dogma - RNA vs. DNA - Levels of structural organization |
- Identify the components of nucleic acids - Explain the structural differences between DNA and RNA - Describe DNA structure and how it is packed in the cell |
1.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
Nucleic Acids: Replication of Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes |
- Describe how a new copy of DNA is synthesized |
1.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
5 |
Nucleic Acids: Transcription and Post-transcriptional modification |
- Describe how RNA is synthesized from DNA - Differentiate transcription in prokaryotes and in eukaryotes - Discuss post-transcriptional modifications in eukaryotes |
1.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
Nucleic Acids: Translation in Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes
Exceptions to the central dogma - Retroviruses and reverse transcription - Epigenetics |
- Describe how protein is synthesized from mRNA - Differentiate the mechanisms of translation in eukaryotes and prokaryotes
- Explain how retroviruses utilize their genetic material
- Differentiate epigenetic and genetic effects on gene expression |
1.0
0.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
6 |
Nucleic Acids: Mutations and Repair - Types of mutations - Effects of physical, chemical, and viral agents - Protective and repair mechanisms |
- Assess the different mechanisms of mutation and how various agents of mutation exhibit their effects on the structure and function of nucleic acids - Explain the various protective mechanisms and repair systems in cells |
1.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
Look into: Chem 41\BRCA-1scenario.pdf
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
Nucleic Acids: Isolation, characterization and manipulation methods - Basic recombinant DNA techniques - Current approaches to DNA manipulation and analysis |
- Explain the techniques used in recombinant DNA technology - Discuss current approaches to DNA manipulation and analysis
|
1.5
|
Watch video/ Read module
Answer discussion questions |
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
7 |
SECOND EXAM |
||||
|
Carbohydrates: Structure and Function |
- Relate the structures, properties, and reactivities to the functions of carbohydrates - Draw carbohydrate structures |
1.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
Carbohydrates: Functions of polysaccharides |
- Differentiate the structure and function of polysaccharides |
1.5
|
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
8 |
Lipids: Structure and Function |
- Relate the structures and properties to the functions of lipids - Draw lipid structures - |
1.5
|
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
Biological Membranes and Membrane Transport |
- Relate membrane structure to its functions - Discuss transport mechanisms in membranes
|
1.5
|
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
9 |
Bioenergetics - Introduction to metabolism, stages, and regulation - Free energy, high energy compounds, and coupled reactions - Substrate level phosphorylation - Oxidative phosphorylation - Electron transport chain - Inhibitors of ATP chain - Other energy transducing reactions |
- Present an overview of metabolism - Apply the laws of thermodynamics in the maintenance of cellular functions - Discuss the methods of ATP synthesis and processes that affect it - Enumerate important biological reactions that use and produce energy |
1.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks
|
|
Carbohydrate Catabolism - Glycolysis - Kreb’s cycle - Glycogenolysis - Anaerobic respiration (ethanol fermentation, lactic acid fermentation) |
- Discuss cellular respiration as the major catabolic and energy-producing pathway of all cells - Illustrate various catabolic pathways for carbohydrates |
1.5
|
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
10 |
Continuing on Carbohydrate Catabolism |
|
1.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises |
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks - |
|
Lipid Catabolism - Lipolysis - β-oxidation |
- Discuss the role of lipids as alternative sources of energy and the different reactions in the |
1.0 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
11 |
Amino Acid Catabolism - Transamination, oxidative deamination, direct deamination - Amino acid catabolism - Nitrogenous base catabolism - Urea cycle
Nucleic Acid Catabolism - Purine and Pyrimidine Catabolism |
- Discuss the role of amino acids as primary or alternative sources of energy - Trace the fates of the amino group and carbon skeleton of amino acids - Calculate and compare the ATP generated from various sources
- Explain nucleic acid catabolism |
2.0 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
THIRD EXAM |
|||||
|
Carbohydrate Anabolism - Gluconeogenesis - Glycogenesis and regulatory enzymes - Pentose phosphate pathway |
- Discuss the pathways leading to the synthesis of glucans and glucose |
1.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
12 |
Lipid Anabolism - Biosynthesis of fatty acids - Lipogenesis - Ketogenesis - Biosynthesis of cholesterol and eicosanoids - Lipid transport: HDL, LDL, VLDL, chylomicrons |
- Present the pathways that cells undergo in order to synthesize fatty acids - Discuss the pathways that liver cells undergo to compensate for the decrease in dietary sources of energy - Explain the reactions leading to cholesterol synthesis and how these processes are regulated |
1.5 |
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
Nitrogen Anabolism - Biosynthesis of amino acids - De novo and salvage pathways of nitrogenous bases |
- Summarize the precursors and pathways leading to the synthesis of amino acids and nucleotides |
1.5
|
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
13 |
Integration - Digestion and Absorption of Foodstuffs - Metabolic Patterns in Animals (e.g. plasma levels of glucose, fatty acids and ketone bodies) - Integration and Regulation of Metabolic Pathways |
- Correlate the various metabolic pathways - Compare the levels of metabolites during the different stages of metabolism - Differentiate metabolic needs of various organ systems - Discuss how various metabolic pathways are regulated |
3.0
|
Watch video/ Read module
Solve problems and exercises
|
- Online Videos/ References - Lectures - Modules - Textbooks |
|
|
FOURTH EXAM |
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|
14 |
FINAL EXAM |
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You can also download this table here.