BIO380: Biochemistry.Fall 2020

FALL 2020
UNION COLLEGE, SCHENECTADY, NY

Location and Meeting Time: Wold 225 MWF 10:50 AM-11:55 AM
Laboratory: WOLD 201,  WEDNESDAY 1:50-4:40 PM or THURSDAY  2:25-5:15 PM

SYLLABUS OF STUDY

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this course are to understand some of the fundamental concepts involved in the underlying biochemistry of a cell, and to learn how to think critically.  Emphasis will be placed on describing the functions and structure of lipids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates.  These include the role of lipids in cell membranes, the non-nucleic acid functions of nucleotides, and the role of glycosylation in protein function.  We will try and understand how structure is integrated with function, and the means by which the cell carries out these important processes.

1. TEXTBOOKS (required)
   • Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, Sixth Edition by David Nelson and Michael Cox (2014), published by WH Freeman (ISBN 978-1429234146). or
   • Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, Seventh Edition by David Nelson and Michael Cox (2017), published by WH Freeman (ISBN 978-1464126116).
     • This textbook is required, as there will be assigned readings (please see lecture schedule) that will either complement or expand upon the material presented during lectures.  However, the lecture period remains the most important and efficient way of learning the material in the course.
   • The Double Helix by James Watson (1968 and 1996), published by Touchstone (Simon and Schuster) (ISBN for paperback version: 074321630X).
2. LECTURE PRESENTATIONS
   Presentations will make use of traditional teaching tools as well as assorted electronic resources.  I will rely heavily on Nexus to transmit files including supplemental readings and slides presented in class.  If you have any problems please let me know so I can find another way to get you the required files.
3. LABORATORY
   Students enrolled in the course will be required to attend lab as scheduled each week.  Labs will be held in the Wold Center Room 201 WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.  If you cannot make your scheduled lab period a particular week, you must coordinate with me to make it up at another time.  Failure to do so will result in a failing grade for the lab section of the course.
4. GRADES
   1. Lecture-based term-tests/final exam, a final paper and in-class participation will account for 72% of your final grade as follows:
      

      Exam 1	12
      Exam 2	12
      Exam 3	12
      Exam 4 (during final period)	12
      BiochemTract (what’s that?)	15
      Assignments	6
      Instructor evaluation/class participation	3

   2. Lab-based grades will account for 28% of your final grade as follows:
      

      Lab report	10
      Mini lab reports (2)	10
      Other lab assignments	8

IMPORTANT DATES- updated 8/16/2020

TENTATIVE  BIOLOGY 380 LECTURE OUTLINE  (We may cover a greater or fewer number of topics, depending upon the time available)