Download Summer 2010 - Wake Forest University

Chemistry 370
Biochemistry: Macromolecules and Metabolism
Summer 2010
London, Cambridge, Paris
The goal of this course is to understand the fundamentals of biomolecular structure and function. Key
metabolic pathways will be studied within the context of energy utilization by organisms. Particular
emphasis will be placed on the discoveries that led to our current understanding of modern
biochemistry. Given the condensed nature of this summer course, some preparation prior to arrival in
London will be necessary. No lab will be offered, so students wishing or needing CHM370L must take
it upon return to campus.
Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Alexander Office: 108 Salem Hall (758-5568)
email: [email protected]
Text: The primary required text is “Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry” (Fifth edition) by Nelson &
Cox (ISBN: 978-0-7167-7108-1). Also required is “Foundations of Biochemistry“by Jenny Loertscher
and Vicky Minderhout (ISBN: 978-1-60263-524-1) for POGIL (Process oriented guided-inquiry learning).
Additional required reading is “The Double Helix” by James Watson. The library has several copies,
and it is typically available at used bookstores.
Attendance/ Academic integrity: Attendance is required at all lectures and group activities. The first
absence or late arrival at a group activity will result in a one letter-grade reduction of the course grade.
The second absence or late arrival will cause the student to be sent home. All students are responsible
for knowing and observing the Wake Forest University honor system.
Grading: There will be weekly exams and a cumulative final. In addition to the exams, there will be
several group and individual smaller assignments. Assignments must be turned in on the due date; late
submissions will not be accepted. A final paper assignment will be due after completion of the
international component of the course.
Midterm 1
Midterm 2
Midterm 3
The Double Helix
Disease paper
Final exam (cumulative)
Total
100 pts (20%)
100 pts (20%)
100 pts (20%)
15 pts ( 3%)
45 pts ( 9%)
120 pts (24%)
500 points
Grades will be assigned on a 10-point scale. I typically provide an opportunity for extra credit points on
exams, and am less flexible with final grades.
90-100% = A (90% guarantees an A-, the A cutoff is usually about 93%)
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
Tentative schedule of lectures
Topic
# of lectures
Chapter (Lehninger)
Part I: Structure and Catalysis
Amino acids and polypeptides
Proteins: Experimental manipulation
Protein Structure
Protein Function
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
5
2
1
2
6
7
8
1
2
13
14
1
1
1
1
1
1
15
16
19
20
17, 21
23
Exam I – Thursday, June 3
Enzymes
Carbohydrates
Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids
Exam II – Thursday, June 10
Part II: Metabolism and Bioenergetics
Principles of Bioenergetics
Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis
Exam III – Thursday, June 17
Principles of metabolic regulation
Citric Acid cycle
Oxidative phosphorylation/ photophosphorylation
Carbohydrate Biosynthesis
Lipid metabolism
Integration of metabolism
FINAL EXAM (cumulative):
Friday June 25