CHEM 4202 - Biochemistry 
Course Syllabus - Summer 2008

Number and Title:

CHEM 4202 (CRN 53244)
Biochemistry I

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

A study of the chemistry of biological systems.  Topics typically include proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, and metabolic pathways.

Course Prerequisite or Corequisite:

CHEM 2412 and CHEM 2412L

Notebook Computer Requirement:

Each CCSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CCSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the computer’s operation system (Windows®)
• Able to access and send e-mail (Outlook® or Outlook Express®)
• Able to use a Web browser (Internet Explorer®) and search engine
• Able to download files from a web site to your computer
• Able to use a word processor system (Word®)
• Able to use a spread sheet system (Excel®)

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Course Objectives:

• To learn the basic chemical and structural features of important classes of biomolecules, including peptides, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.
• To learn the principles of these molecules’ interactions and dynamics in cellular systems.
• To survey the experimental methods by which many biochemical processes were elucidated.
• To apply chemical principles to the study of enzyme kinetics.
• To gain an appreciation for the complexities of cell signaling and its implications.
• To prepare the student for the continuation of the study of biochemistry.

Student Learning Outcomes:

        General education outcomes:

• Communication: knowledge base. 
          CHEM 4202 will provide knowledge base information necessary for communication of information concerning principles of biochemistry.
• Critical Thinking: 
  Question/Issue, Method, Evidence, Conclusion. 
      CHEM 4202 will provide problem solving skills in the area of biochemistry.  Students will be required to assess information given in a                
      scientific problem and form a conclusion based on that information.  In this process, students will be required to determine which given    
      information is pertinent and if their conclusion is reasonable.
   

  Chemistry Outcomes:

  CHEM 4202 supports outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the chemistry minor:

• Outcome 1.  To develop more experience with problem solving in chemistry courses and labs.  

• Outcome 2.  To participate in interdisciplinary learning through the opportunity to apply analytical techniques learned in the chemistry courses to upper level courses in other disciplines.
• Outcome 3.  To learn more about chemical systems and to apply this knowledge to scientific questions.
• Outcome 5.  To provide better preparation for graduate and professional schooling.
   
• Applied Biology Outcomes:
• Outcome 2:  Students will be able to effectively communicate scientific ideas using oral, written and digital arts.  CHEM 4202 will provide knowledge base information necessary for communication of information concerning principles of biochemistry.
• Outcome 7:  Students will obtain a sufficient background in chemistry to pursue further professional education in the biomedical field.

Instructor Information:

Dr. Susan F. Hornbuckle
Phone: (678) 466-4780
E-mail: SusanHornbuckle@clayton.edu
Internet: http://a-s.clayton.edu/shornbuckle/default.html
office: Arts & Sciences G-210J

Office hours:	1:30 PM – 6:00 PM (by appointment only)*	M,W	BHS: C-54
	10:00 AM - 5:00 PM  (by appointment only)*	T	BHS: C-54
	other times by appointment*

*You may email or talk to me in person to make an appointment during these times.

Class Meetings:

Textbook Information:

Text:

Principles of  Biochemistry by Lehninger, Nelson, and Cox, 5^th Ed., Worth Publishing

Text Coverage:

Chapters 1-7, 10, 14-16, 19

Evaluation:

Your evaluation in CHEM 4202 will be based upon the following components:  

 

Grading:

The grade you receive in Chemistry 4202 will be based upon the following distribution:

Mid-term Progress Report

The mid-term grade in this course which will be issued on June 27th, reflects approximately 30% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by mid-term, which occurs on June 25th.

Tentative Course Schedule*:

 *The instructor reserves the right to alter the course schedule at any time during the semester.

**All test dates are tentative and will be announced in class at least one week before each assessment.

Course Policies:

Homework:

This is a demanding and rigorous course.  For the greatest chance of success, students are urged to complete all reading assignments prior to lecture on that topic. 

Biochemistry is a problem-solving science.  Students are thus strongly encouraged to complete as many of the recommended problems as possible, preferably by forming study groups with fellow students.  These assignments will not be graded, but a significant amount of material will be derived from them for course assessments.  As shown in the course schedule above, a period before each exam will be reserved for review and demonstrations of problem solving techniques.

Attendance:

Class roll will be taken.  However, attendance is not required except for classroom assessments. You are responsible for all attendance requirements for external programs (i.e. financial aid). It is your responsibility to sign the roll sheet at every class meeting you attend, when issued. This roll sheet is the instructor's official record. You will be held responsible for all announcements and material covered in lecture in addition to text, references, hand-outs and study guides.  Note: Lectures will contain valuable explanations of content and thought processes which are difficult for most students to extract from the text book on their own. Therefore, regular attendance is strongly encouraged.  You can expect material from lectures and the text to appear on exams.

Academic Irregularity:

Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Consequences may include a zero grade on the assessment instrument, or possible action by the College Judicial Board of Review.

Assessments:

There will be three (3) classroom assessments and one final (comprehensive). The assessments will be announced approximately one week in advance whenever possible and attendance is mandatory.  If a student has an excused absence on an exam day, the student's final exam percentage score will be used in place of the missed exam score.  No make-up exams will be given.

Grades will not be communicated via email or telephone.  Exams will usually be handed back in the next lecture period after an exam. 

Final exam papers may be viewed the following semester during office hours.

Disruption of the Learning Environment:

Other Class Policies:

"Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities."

• Arrive to class on time.
• Avoid disruptive behavior in class: talking, snoring, children, etc.
• Turn off phones, radios and other electronic devices when entering classrooms. 
• If you must leave early, leave quietly by a back door if possible.
• Use the pencil sharpener before class begins.
• No eating, smoking or drinking in the classrooms.
• No extra credit work will be assigned.

 

Last update: May 28, 2008