Chem 360 — Essentials of Biochemistry
Syllabus — Spring Semester 2000
Instructor
Time and Location
Office Hours
Course Description
Prerequisite
Course Objectives
Textbooks and Materials
Reading Assignments
Teaching Methods
Exams
Grades
Class Evaluation
Other General Policies
Please send your comments and suggestions to: twiese@fhsu.edu
Instructor:
Dr. Thomas Wiese, Tomanek 333, Phone 681-4505, twiese@fhsu.edu
Time and Location:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:30 AM to 11:20 AM in Tomanek
112
Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30-10:00 and 1:30-2:30. Please
drop by any other time you have questions. Call in advance to make sure
I am available. Note that during office hours I may be in the laboratory
or office. If my door is open also check the chemistry office, 345
TH, and see if I am in there pestering the chair.
Description:
Chem 360 is a study of the chemical and physical properties of biologically
important molecules.
We cannot and will not cover every area of biochemistry.
A list of topics to be taught is included in the course schedule for
your reference. Included at the end of the home page are a list of reference
books and a list of journals where contemporary research on all fields
of biochemistry is published. You are encouraged to pursue whatever subject
that may interest you from these sources.
Prerequisite:
Prerequisite: Chemistry 304 or 342 (may be a corequisite)
Corequisite: Chemistry 360L.
Most of the discussions in the class rely heavily on the fundamentals
of pH, basic cell structure and chemical bonding. If you feel deficient
in these areas, I suggest you review freshman chemistry or biology materials
on these topics.
Course Objectives:
-
To provide a background for further study in the biological sciences and
health-related sciences.
-
To develop an understanding of the composition and structure of complex
biological molecules.
-
To comprehend the relationship between composition, structure and function
of biological molecules.
-
To develop an understanding of how organisms degrade and synthesize biologically
important molecules.
-
To aid in the comprehension of how organisms convert energy into a form
that can be utilized.
-
To explain the interrelationship between the metabolism of different classes
of biological molecules.
-
To develop an understanding of how an organism synthesizes informational
molecules.
-
To gain experience in the handling and manipulation of biochemicals and
instrumentation that is applicable to biochemistry.
Textbooks and Materials:
Stenesh, Biochemistry, is required.
Reading Assignments:
As mentioned earlier, it is impossible to cover every area of biochemistry
research during the formal lectures. Additional materials will be assigned
as class readings to complement the lectures.
Teaching Methods:
Teaching methods include lectures, discussions, assigned readings, class
assignments and exams. Lectures are generally based on the class readings.
I strongly encourage class discussions to extend and clarify the lectures
and readings. Teaching as well as learning is an interactive process.
Self study is an important part of the class. As a rule of thumb, you
are expected to spend at least three additional hours for every hour of
lectures. Any questions raised during the self study can be discussed in
the class or in my office.
Exams:
There will be five exams and a comprehensive final. Questions may come
from lectures, assigned readings, and discussions. Questions include definitions,
short answer, short essay and multiple choice.
Any questions or unjustified grades can either be discussed during the
period or in the office hours. Should you miss one or more exam due
to illness or University-related activities, inform the instructor in advance.
It is your responsibility to schedule an alternative exam date as soon
as possible.
Exams and other graded assignments must be accomplished independently,
except as noted by the instructor.
Grades:
Five Midterm Exams 75 or 100 points each
Quiz Average (best 9 of ~13 quizzes) 100 points
Final Exam 100 points
Two Laboratory Exams 50 points each
Five Laboratory Reports 20-40 points each
The same grade will be given for lecture and lab. The lecture counts for
60% of that grade and lab for 40%. The final grade will be assigned based
approximately on the grading scale:
>90 A
>80 B
>70 C
>60 D
The instructor reserves the right to adjust this scale as necessary. I
may adjust the scale downward but I will not adjust it upward. Attendance
is expected and recorded, but it is not used in the evaluation of students.
Class Evaluation:
In addition to completing the formal class evaluation materials at the
end of the semester, I would appreciate any informal suggestions and comments.
Other General policies:
University Policies — Students in this class are expected to abide by the
Fort Hays State University Academic Honesty Policy. This policy may be
found on page 61 on the Fort Hays State University 1999-2000 University
Catalog. Fort Hays State University students have the right to appeal grades
that are assigned in all courses. The appeal procedure is described on
page 59 on the Fort Hays State University 1999-2000 University Catalog.
Makeup work — Makeup exams are given to deserving students provided
I am notified prior to the exam and arrangements are made within a reasonable
length of time (one week after returning to class). Students are not allowed
to makeup quizzes except in those cases where students miss a large number
of quizzes for legitimate reasons. We will have a quiz about every week;
therefore I expect to give about fourteen quizzes and the best ten are
used for evaluation. Students who miss quizzes may drop those provided
they do not miss an excessive number.
Grades of incomplete — Incomplete grades are recorded in those cases
that comply with the policy stated in the current University Catalog. This
policy states that for an incomplete to be given, performed work must be
of passing quality, and that if the incomplete work is not finished within
1 year the grade changes to "U."