Syllabus
Science Prerequisites for Health Professionals
CHEM 1050: Biochemistry – Fall 2024
Credits - 4
Description
This online course serves as an introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. Students will explore the structure, function, and regulation of biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This course will cover topics including metabolic pathways, enzymology, metabolism, and the integration of biochemical processes in cellular functions.
Topics Covered:
- Structure and functions of proteins and enzymes.
- Enzymes: kinetics, mechanism, and regulation.
- Bioenergetics.
- Metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Appreciate the scope of biochemistry and its central role in the life sciences.
- Explain the physical properties of water.
- Define and apply pH, pKa, pI, and K.
- Provide examples of how each type of R group of the amino acids contributes to their chemical properties.
- Evaluate how enzymes facilitate chemical reactions and the necessity of metabolic cofactors or vitamins in these reactions; relate how enzyme activities and concentrations may be used in clinical diagnosis.
- Assess the different mechanisms by which hormones signal and influence metabolic pathways allowing for homeostasis within the body.
- Describe the metabolism of carbohydrates (glucose, galactose and fructose) and their role in generating ATP for the cell.
- Demonstrate an understanding of lipid metabolism, transport and storage in the fed and fasted conditions.
- Relate how amino acids are used in the processes of protein synthesis, precursors for synthesis of necessary compounds and as substrates for glucose production; determine the role of the urea cycle in coordinating amino acid catabolism and nitrogen disposal.
- Interpret the role and regulation of the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in normal physiological conditions and the changes that may occur.
SELF-PACED DESIGN
On the course start date, students will have access to orientation. This must be completed to be able to gain access to the first module in the course. Students must complete the first module to gain access to the next one. We recommend that students spend about 15 hours per week to complete a course in 16 weeks. When trying to complete the course in less than 16 weeks, we typically see students do this successfully within 12-14 weeks. Instructors will be timely in grading and feedback, but it will not be instant.
Assignments
*Please review the academic integrity agreement below before completing any assignments to ensure they are completed in accordance with this policy and the requirements of each assessment outlined below.
Lectures
This course is designed to be completed in a 16-week period, just like an on-campus Biochemistry course. One week in this online course is equivalent to three fifty-minute lectures in a traditional classroom setting. The general rule of studying for science courses is to spend three hours studying for every one hour that you are in class. Therefore, the suggested study time for each week is nine hours above and beyond the time it takes to listen to the lecture. Please refer to the schedule below for the suggested schedule of lectures. Students may complete the course in fewer than 16 weeks. With the exception of Weeks 8 and 16, each week consists of:
- Weekly objectives
- Textbook Reading
- Topic Lectures and associated slides
- Additional learning resources
- Weekly practice evaluation
Weekly Practice Evaluations
With the exception of Weeks 7 and 16, each week has an end-of-week evaluation. These are in the form of an 8-question multiple-choice quiz. These quizzes are timed, non-proctored and are closed book and closed notes. You will have 15 minutes to complete each quiz. The quizzes will be taken online through the Brightspace course site. These quizzes do not contribute to your final overall grade, but they must be completed. The questions for these assessments are pulled from a pool of questions used for the formative Unit exams. Doing well on the quizzes will help prepare you for the formative Unit exams. You can only take each quiz once, and these assessments can be reviewed through Class Progress after completion.
Unit Exams
There are four non-proctored exams after Units 1 – 4. These exams consist of 15-20 questions and will be taken through Brightspace. These exams consist of material restricted to a single unit and contain questions very similar to the weekly quizzes. You will have up to 45 minutes to complete these exams and once started you must complete the assessment. Exams should be taken closed notes, closed books and in accordance with the academic integrity agreement. You can only take these once and these can be reviewed through Class Progress after completion.
Discussions
There are three required discussion topic posts. Please see Brightspace for a full prompt. This assessment is designed to help with critical thinking skills and to identify any key misconceptions you may have over the material.
Final Project
The biochemistry course will cover chapters 1 – 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 – 20, 22, 23, 25, and 26 in Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry textbook. For the final project, you will choose one of the remaining chapters to create a video presentation. For this presentation, you will become the teacher and present the chapter to your classmates in a video format presentation. You will then upload your video to YouTube.
It will be a 4-step Final Project.
- Step 1 – due in Unit 1 is the chapter selection submission.
- Step 2 – due in Unit 2 is the outline submission.
- Step 3 – due in Unit 3 is the rough draft presentation submission.
- Step 4 – due in Unit 4 is the 10-minute video presentation submission.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Weekly Evaluations (14 required 8-question practice quizzes) | 0 |
| Unit 1 Exam | 12.5 |
| Unit 2 Exam | 12.5 |
| Unit 3 Exam | 12.5 |
| Unit 4 Exam | 12.5 |
| Discussions: 3 x 10 points | 30 |
| Final Project Unit 1: Chapter | 0.5 |
| Final Project Unit 2: Outline | 0.5 |
| Final Project Unit 3: Visuals | 1 |
| Final Project Unit 4: Video | 18 |
| Total | 100 |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Below is a general overview of the Units. For more a detailed outline please follow the weekly instructions within Brightspace.
|
UNIT 1 (Weeks 1 – 3) |
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Unit 1 Assessments Weekly Practice Evaluations Discussion Introduction and Video Practice Final Project Assignment for Unit 1 Unit 1 Exam |
|
| Weeks |
Readings |
|
Week 1: Biochemistry & Water |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
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Week 2: Amino Acids & Primary Structure Determination |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
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Week 3: Proteins: Higher Orders of Structure |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
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UNIT 2 (Weeks 4 – 7) |
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| Unit 2 Assessments
Weekly Practice Evaluations Discussion: Venn Diagram Final Project Assignment for Unit 2 Unit 2 Exam |
|
| Week 4: Basics of Enzymes and Clinical Uses |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
| Week 5: Enzyme Kinetics and Regulation |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
| Week 6: Free Energy and the Electron Transport Chain |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
| Week 7: Catch Up Week |
No Additional Reading for Week 7 |
|
UNIT 3 (Weeks 8 – 11) |
|
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Unit 3 Assessments Weekly Practice Evaluations Discussion: Crossword Puzzle Final Project Assignment for Unit 3 Unit 3 Exam |
|
| Week 8: Overview of Metabolism and Hormone Signaling |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
| Week 9: Glycolysis and the TCA |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
| Week 10: Glycogen Synthesis, Degradation and Gluconeogenesis |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
| Week 11: Pentose Phosphate Pathway, Galactose and Fructose Metabolism |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
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UNIT 4 (Weeks 12 – 16) |
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Unit 4 Assessments Weekly Practice Evaluations Final Project Submission Unit 4 Exam |
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| Week 12: β-Oxidation and Ketogenesis |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
| Week 13: Fatty Acid Synthesis |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
| Week 14: Lipoprotein Metabolism |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
| Week 15: Cholesterol Synthesis and Regulation
|
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
|
| Week 16: Final Project and Catch Up Week | No Additional Reading for Week 16 |
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you - they will monitor course progression and provide assistance or guidance when needed. Please don’t hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, course materials, billing, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Science Prerequisites page
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Instructor and Support Contact Information
Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.
Student Lounge
The Student Lounge Discussion Forum is a designated support forum in which students may engage with each other and grapple with course content. Feel free to post questions, seek clarification, and support each other, but be mindful of UNE's Academic Integrity Policy.
Your instructor will monitor this forum. However, if you are seeking specific and timely answers to questions about course content or your personal grades, please contact your instructor via course messages. For questions about course materials, program policy, and how to navigate and proceed through the course, please contact your Student Service Advisor through the Student Portal.
Policies
Proctored Examinations
Your course may have proctored exams. The University of New England has contracted with ProctorU to provide students with the most convenient online exam proctoring system. This system provides a simple, no cost to the student, secure, online proctor for exams and allows the student to take all the exams at home and on their own schedule.
Upon enrollment into the course, each student will register with ProctorU and establish a login name and password. This will give the student access to all of ProctorU's services. When ready, students will schedule each of their proctored exams with ProctorU. Exams must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance to avoid fees. Prior to taking their exams, students must be sure that they have downloaded any required additional software. They must also be sure their testing site's connection meets the minimum requirements by using ProctorU's "Test It Out" utility.
Upon the exam day and hour, students will log in to ProctorU and click on "exams". After following the procedures outlined at ProctorU's website, the student will log in to Brightspace and locate their correct exam. The proctor will then allow student access to that exam.
Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.
Exam Attempts Policy
Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade. Students can schedule their second attempt by following the same ProctorU instructions as with the original exam.
All students are encouraged to utilize a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Course Discussions
Discussion topics cover events or materials related to this course that contribute to a deeper understanding of key concepts and allow you to interact with your classmates and the instructor. Each discussion topic may require you to conduct internet research, read additional materials, visit a specific webpage, AND/OR view a short video before writing a response following the specific guidelines in the discussion topic prompt.
To earn full credit you will need to post a response to the discussion topic, respond to the original posts of other students, and then contribute meaningfully to an ongoing discussion. You may need to post your initial response before you will see any posts from your classmates. For special cases where one or two students are accelerating faster through the course, the instructor will participate in the discussion so that everyone has the opportunity to interact.
Please see Brightspace for a full description, along with specific guidelines, for each discussion topic. Discussion board assignments should be completed, along with all other assignments in the course, in the order that they appear. Due to the course design, you may be unable to take a proctored exam if you do not complete all assignments that appear prior to that exam.
Please also refer to the Grading Policy/Grade Breakdown section of the syllabus to learn the percentage of your grade that each discussion is worth.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Length
A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus. This is, however a self-paced course and you can complete the course in less time.
- Courses in the SPHP program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 16 weeks
- Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
- Course start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Please visit the enrollment page to review the withdrawal and refund policies.
Grade Policy
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. View the incomplete grade policy..
Transcripts
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.
Using Generative AI When Completing Coursework
Generative AI (GenAI) applications (like ChatGPT) have proven to be powerful and effective tools, and students are encouraged to become familiar with and use them. However, as with any tool, students must use GenAI in ways that support learning, not replace it. Learning to use AI responsibly and ethically is an important skill in today’s society.
In their courses, students are not allowed to use advanced automated tools, such as generative AI tools, on assignments unless explicitly directed to do so. Each student is expected to complete each assignment, including labs and quizzes as applicable, without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools.
Using AI-content generators to complete assignments without proper attribution violates academic integrity. By submitting assignments in UNE courses, you pledge to affirm that they are your own work and you attribute use of any and all tools and sources.
Unauthorized Use
Unauthorized use of AI is treated as a violation of academic integrity.
Citing AI Use
If permitted, students should indicate and cite any use of AI tools.
Instructor responsibility
Instructors should clearly reiterate, using UNE Online’s Policy, how students can use AI tools in their courses, and communicate this policy to students at the beginning of the semester.
Student responsibility
Students must follow the academic integrity policy of the University of New England.