Principles of Biochemistry (CHEM 5334) – Fall, 2007

Meeting Locations:   Chemistry Building Room 101

Meeting Times:         Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 – 9:20 AM

Professor:        Dr. Paul Paré                                                                                            E-mail:    Paul.Pare@TTU.edu

Office:              Chemistry Building (Lubbock) 413-B                                                       Website:  http://www2.tltc.ttu.edu/ppare

Office Hours:   Wed, Fri 11:00 – 12:00 noon or by arrangement                                Phone:     (806) 742-3062

Textbook:  Biochemistry 5th Edition by Campbell and Farrell; Thomson Press

Course:  This is a one-semester course covering the fundamentals of biochemistry.  It is highly recommended that you have successfully completed two semesters of organic chemistry and general biology before embarking into this course.  The first day of class is Tues, Aug. 28; the drop deadline is Tues, Oct. 30^th; and the last day of class will be Thurs, Dec. 6^th.

Learning Outcomes: The fully successful student will know the structure and function of biological molecules including water, amino acids, lipids, and nucleic acids; the role of several model proteins including myosin, actin, keratin, collagen, myoglobin, hemoglobin and chymotrypsin.  The student will understand the role of phospholipids as structural elements in biological membranes and the properties of proteins associated with these membranes; be familiar with the chemical principles involved in the assembly, from simpler precursors, of biological macromolecules (e.g., oligo- and polysaccharides, DNA and proteins); understand the chemical principles involved in sequencing DNA and proteins;  the structure function and transport-across biological membranes; and the biochemical reactions of several aspects of primary metabolism including glycolysis, citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. The student will also understand the mathematical principles used to analyze enzyme kinetics and be able to use enzyme kinetics to examine catalytic efficiency, enzyme-substrate affinity and the mechanism of enzyme inhibition.

Homework, Exams and Final Paper:  Homework problems will be assigned from each chapter; answers are provided in the back of the textbook.  A portion of each exam will be taken directly from assigned homework questions.  There will be three in-class exams on Thur, Sept 20^th, Tues, Oct 23^rd and Tues, Nov 20^th.  Please mark your calendar in advance since make-up exams will not be provided.   A review paper (10 page max, single spaced) covering a current topic in biochemical research will be due Thur, Dec 6^th; students will also present their findings to the class in the form of an oral presentation (15 min max) during the final two weeks of classes.   Your report will provide an opportunity to explore an area of modern biochemistry that is of personal interest, as well as to practice written and oral communication skills.

Grades:  Each exam as well as your written/oral presentation will count 25% towards your final score with letter grades assigned based on the standard ten point spread for each letter grade.  The grading scale may be adjusted slightly at the instructor’s discretion.

Academic Honesty: It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech to foster a spirit of honesty and integrity.  Any attempts by a student to present work not honestly performed is regarded as a grave offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension.

Special Conditions: Any student who, because of a disability, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor in class at as soon as possible to request necessary accommodations. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services.  No requirement exists that accommodations be made prior to completion of this approved university process.   A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known to the instructor during the first week of classes; the student who requires missing a test in observance of the holy day will be given an alternative date to sit the exam.