CHEM2306: Biochemistry

Course Description

This foundational course provides a rigorous examination of the molecular mechanisms that underpin biological systems, serving as an essential introduction to the principles of biochemistry. The curriculum is designed to investigate the intricate structure-function relationships of primary biological macromolecules—including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Furthermore, the course delves into the kinetics and regulatory mechanisms of enzyme catalysis, and the core metabolic pathways, with a specific focus on carbohydrate catabolism and anabolism.

Course objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain what the main molecules in living things (like proteins, sugars, fats, and DNA) are made of and why they are important.
2. Describe how animals get energy from food and how plants get energy from sunlight.
3. Explain how enzymes work to speed up chemical reactions in cells and how they are controlled.
4. Identify how the structure of each molecule is directly linked to its specific job in the body.
5. Compare the different types of metabolic pathways and predict how a problem in one could affect the others.

Required materials

1. Molecular model kit (DNA, proteins).
2. Lab reagents for enzyme assays (amylase, catalase).
3. Plant materials for photosynthesis experiments.

Books and References

1. Nelson, D. L. & Cox, M. M. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (8th Ed., W.H. Freeman).
2. Berg, J. M., Tymoczko, J. L., & Gatto, G. J. Biochemistry (9th Ed., W.H. Freeman).
3. Voet, D. & Voet, J. G. Biochemistry (5th Ed., Wiley).
4. Campbell, M. K. Biochemistry (9th Ed., Cengage Learning).