Biochemistry I (Chem 464), 3 Credits
Internet Course Syllabus and Policies, Summer 2012
Instructor: Dr. Janet A. BjordahlOffice:D2L emaile-mail:
Office Hours: via email (please use D2L email for correspondence after the class has started)
Required Text: Fundamentals of Biochemistry/3rd Ed.
Authors: Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, and Charlotte W. PrattPublisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Text website:
Course Website: D2L Prerequisites: Chem 229or 328
Description: A study of the fundamental principles governing the behavior of biochemical systems. Topics covered in the first of the two-semester sequence (Chem 465 is the second semester sequel) include:Introduction to the Chemistry of Life, Water, Amino Acids, Proteins: Primary Structure and Three-Dimensional Structure, Protein Function, Carbohydrates, Lipids and Biological Membranes, Membrane Transport, Introduction to Metabolism, Glucose Catabolism, Glycogen Metabolism and Gluconeogenesis, Citric Acid Cycle, and Electron Transport and Oxidative Phosphorylation.
Instructional Methods: This course will be delivered totally over the internet. Power point presentations will be provided in the Content section of the D2L course page. Discussion sessions in the chat room will be scheduled once the semester begins.
Attendance Policy: As an internet course, there is no face to face attendance. However, students are expected to visit the on-line course regularly for instructions, assignments, and information. Deadlines for each assignment, quiz and test will be clearly posted on the course D2L page.
Homework: It is recommended that students read and take notes on each assigned chapter. Power Point presentation files will highlight key information but are not meant to replace reading and studying information presented in the text. It is also suggested that students work through the terms and problems at the end of each chapter to ensure preparation for exams. The text website contains study resources for each chapter listed in thesyllabus. Textbook problems will be the basis of group discussions throughout the duration of the course.
Academic Integrity Policy: Any verified act of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. Repeated or blatant acts of dishonesty will result in a failing grade for the class. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct posted on the D2L course site (see “Getting Started”). All work submitted in lecture is to be the effort of the individual, unless assigned as a group project. No aids may be used during examinations unless approved by the instructor. Anyone participating in an act of dishonesty will receive an “F” grade for the entire course.
Make-up policy: Since this is an on-line class, students should be able to meet all deadlines. If unique situations arise, contact the instructor.
Exams: Exams may be a combination of multiple choice, true or false, short answer and matching formats. All exams must be taken as scheduled.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of successfully completing Chemistry 464 & 465, students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the physical and chemical basis of life, as these are the primary tools to address any unsolved future biochemical challenge.
- Gather and revisit technical advancement to arrive at the present day biochemical conclusions.
- Explain the basic concepts, terminology, and theories of general and basic biochemistry.
- Gather confidence to engage in biomedical research.
Student Learning Outcomes will be assessed through group discussions and exams.
Grading: the final grade will be computed as follows:
Four exams @ 100 pts each400 pts.
Group Discussions100 pts.
Total Points 500 pts.
Letter grades will be assigned based on these minimum requirements:
A = 90 %B = 80%C= 70 %D = 60 %F = below 59 %
At the instructor’s discretion, the student may be required to complete exams in front of an approved proctor.
Teaching Philosophy: Acquisition of scientific knowledge requires the development of higher cognitive skills such as analysis, synthesis, comprehension, application and evaluation. It is my hope to succeed in teaching these problem-solving skills, which once acquired and practiced in the courses I teach, will serve students in situations they encounter throughout their lifetimes.
Office of Disability Services: If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please inform me and make the appropriate arrangements with the Office of Disability Services. The Office of Disability Services is located in 102 SAD (Administration). To schedule an appointment call 688-4986.
Freedom in learning.Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study. Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should first contact the instructor of the course. If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may contact the department head and/or dean of the college which offers the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.