Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Course Title
BIOCH 244
Essentials of Biochemistry
Number of credits
Three (3)
Abbreviated Course Title
ESSEN OF BIOCHEM
Date of Outline
2. Course Description
3. Credits/ Contact Hours
June 26, 2001
Introduces chemical principles and concepts
of living systems. Emphasizes the
composition, function, and transformation
of biological substances in animals, plants,
and microorganisms. Provides sufficient
organic chemistry to supplement a
thorough understanding of the general
concepts of biochemistry
Lecture- Three (3)/week
Prerequisites
BIOCH 241, or CHEM I51, or CHEM 161,
or consent
Corequisites
NA
Recommended Preparation
NA
Approved by _____________________________Date_________________
2
5. General Course Objectives
To utilize an understanding of the concepts, theories, and applications of general,
inorganic, and organic chemistry, in developing an understanding of the concepts and
principles of biochemistry and the chemistry of living systems.
6. Specific Course Competencies
a. Be able to draw pictures of and name the common organic functional groups.
b. Be able to draw structural diagrams and condensed formulas for the major types
of organic compounds.
c. Name molecules using IUPAC system from the 16 major classes of compounds
having been shown the condensed formula.
d. Draw all structural isomers of a molecule having been shown its formula.
e. Distinguish between structural, geometric, and optical isomers.
f. Distinguish between the physical and chemical properties of the 16 important
types of organic compounds.
g. Draw the products of a chemical reaction given the reacting organic molecules
and the chemical reagents.
h. Distinguish the 4 major groups of biological molecules and understand their roles
in living systems.
i. Explain the process of DNA replication and the role of DNA in cellular metabolic
regulation and reproduction.
j. Describe the process of Protein Synthesis and its application to gene expression.
k. Explain the organization and role of enzymes in cellular metabolism.
l. Describe the Process of energy transfer and kinetics in biological systems
m. Describe and reproduce the chemical pathways in the production and breakdown
of Lipids, Carbohydrates, Proteins, Amino acids, and Nucleic Acids.
n. State the role of diet and nutrition in the assimilation and utilization of the major
biological macromolecules and other nutrients..
o. Discuss the role of biochemistry in modern medicine.
3
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent
2-4 Weeks
Review of Organic Chemistry.
1 Week
Lipids
2 Weeks
Amino Acids and Proteins
2 Weeks
Nucleic Acids
1-2 Weeks
Enzymes
1-2 Weeks
Biochemical Energy transfer
1 Week
Carbohydrate Metabolism
1 Week
Lipid Metabolism
1 Week
Protein Metabolism
1-2 Weeks
Nutrition
1-2Weeks
Current topics in Biochemistry
8. Recommended Course Requirements
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the
course is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
Written or oral examinations
Homework assignments
Quizzes
Projects or research (written reports and/or oral class presentations)
Attendance and/or class participation
4
9. Text and Materials
An appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is to be
offered from those currently available in the field. Examples include
Texts:
Kroschwitz and Winokur, Chemistry: General, Organic, Biological.
2nd edition, McGraw- Hill
Blei and Odian, General Organic and Biochemistry 1st edition,
W. H. Freeman and Company
Text may be supplemented with:
Journal articles
Website articles
Newspaper, textbook, and periodical references
Other:
Appropriate films, videos, or internet sites,
Television programs
Guest speakers
Other instructional aids
10. Evaluation and Grading
Examinations
Quizzes
Reports/Assignments
Attendance/Participation
60 – 80%
10 - 20%
5 - 20%
5 - 10%
11. Methods of Instruction
Instructional Methods vary considerably with instructors and specific instructional
methods will be at the discretion of the instructor teaching the course. Suggested
techniques might include, but are not limited to:
Lecture.
Problem solving, and class exercises and reading.
Class discussions or guest lecturers.
Audio, visual, or presentations involving the internet.
Student class presentations.
Group or individual projects.