Chemistry 664
Biochemistry II
Syllabus -- Spring Semester 2008
Table of Contents
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Instructor
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Time and Location
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Office Hours
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Course Description
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Prerequisite
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Course Objectives
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Textbooks and Materials
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Reading Assignments
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Teaching Methods
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Exams
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Grades
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Class Evaluation
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Appendix I. Suggested Biochemistry Readings
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Appendix II: Journals carried by Forsythe Library
that carry biochemistry papers
Please send your comments and suggestions to: twiese@fhsu.edu
Instructor:
Dr. Thomas Wiese, Tomanek 351, Phone 628-4505, twiese@fhsu.edu
Time and Location:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 PM to 9:20 PM in Tomanek 339
Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30-10:20. Please drop by any other time you
have questions. Call in advance to make sure I am available.
Description:
Chem 664 is a study of the metabolism of biologically important molecules.
We cannot and will not cover every area of biochemistry. I do intend, however,
to work your tail off. Expect to go full speed every day for every minute of
class.
A list of topics to be taught is included in this syllabus for your
reference. Included at the end of the syllabus 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 662.
Corequisite: Chemistry 664L.
Most of the discussions in the class rely heavily on the fundamentals of pH,
basic cell structure and chemical bonding. If you feel deficient (and perhaps
even if you don't) in these areas, I expect you review freshman chemistry or
biology materials on these topics. Furthermore, I expect you to know everything
from Biochemistry I. I don't have time, nor am I interested, in reviewing old
information.
Course Objectives:
- To provide the background for further study in biochemistry, biotechnology
and related areas.
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To develop an understanding of the composition and structure of complex
biological molecules.
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To comprehend the relationship between composition, structure and function
of biological molecules.
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To gain experience in the handling and manipulation of biochemicals and
instrumentation that is applicable to biochemistry.
Textbooks and Materials:
Voet, Voet and Pratt, Principles of Biochemistry, Third Edition, is required.
Books that contain one or more subjects covered in the course are listed in the
Appendix I. Note that I will not be following the book closely. Use the table
of contents and index if you are unsure where information is coming from. You
are also encouraged to browse through the current literature on the course-related
subjects. I do so on a daily basis and that is where some class information will
be coming from. If you find a research article that may have a general appeal
to the class, please prepare a short (5-10 minutes) presentation for the class.
Extra credit will be given for such initiatives.
Reading Assignments:
As mentioned earlier, it is impossible to cover every area of biochemistry research
during the formal lectures. Additional materials may be assigned as class readings
to complement the lectures. However, make sure you read every word of the textbook,
then go after more information.
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 three exams and a comprehensive final. Questions may come
from lectures, assigned readings, and discussions. Questions include definitions,
short answer short essay and multiple choice.
Each exam will be graded and discussed the period following the exam.
Any questions or unjustified grades can either be discussed during the
period or in the office hours. Should you miss one or more exams 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.
Students are encouraged to share intellectual views and discuss freely
the principles and applications of the course materials. However, exams
and other graded assignments must be accomplished independently, except
as noted by the instructor.
Grades:
Student are evaluated on their performance on:
Three Midterm Exams
100 points each
Quiz Average
(best 10 of ~14 quizzes) 100 points
Final Exam
150 points
One Laboratory
Exam
50 points
Laboratory Reports
20-60 points each
The same grade is assigned for both lecture and lab. The lecture portion
counts for 60% of the final grade and the lab for 40%. The final
grade is assigned based on approximate scale of:
>90
A
>80
B
>70
C
>60
D
I reserve the right to adjust the scale if appropriate. I may
adjust the scale downward but I will not adjust it upward.
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.
Appendix I. Additional Biochemistry Readings:
You should not look for additional texts to look at unless you have exhausted
the resources in your text. You will probably find Stryer's Biochemistry to
be useful and easy to read. Lehninger is another top choice.
Appendix II: Journals carried by Forsythe Library that contain biochemistry
papers:
Analytical Biochemistry
Annual Review of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Cell
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Journal of Chemical Education
Nature
Science
Scientific American