Foundations of Biochemistry

Catalog description

Biochemistry is the field that explores how life works at the level of molecules. Biochemists discover the chemistry of biological processes and apply their knowledge to fight diseases, grow food more efficiently, create new products or technologies, restore the environment, and more. This course gives students basic preparation in biochemistry. Through this course students will be able to explain the structure, function, and energy requirements (thermodynamics) of life's major biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and the major metabolic processes that power life (glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation). Students will gain these skills through a mixture of reflective reading, lecture, in-class problem-solving, guided at-home exercises, and more. Prerequisites: CHM 303, BIO 201. (Offered every spring term.)