Syllabus
Undergraduate Programs
CHEM 1050: Biochemistry – 15-weeks
Credits - 4
Description
This online course serves as a guided introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. You will explore the structure, function, and regulation of biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. We 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.
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.
Weekly Practice Evaluations
Each week has an end-of-week practice evaluation. They are in the form of a 10-question multiple-choice quiz. The quizzes do not contribute to students’ final overall grade but they must be completed.
Weekly Quick Self-Check
Each weekly study guide has an embedded self-check at the end of the guide. These should be used as a way to help you master the weekly content and identify areas of opportunity.. Each week you will need to submit answers for at least 3 Quick Self-Check questions.
Unit Exams
There are two proctored exams after Units 2 (midterm covers Units 1 and 2) and 4 (final covers Units 3 and 4). These exams consist of 40-50 questions. They consist of material restricted to two units and contain questions very similar to the weekly practice evaluations. You will have 60 minutes to complete the exams.
Exams will be proctored using HonorLock, closed books, and in accordance with the academic integrity agreement. You can only take the exams once. They can be reviewed through the grade book after completion.
Discussions
Units 1-4 have a discussion component(s).
- Unit 1 is a video discussion and a problem solving mystery
- Unit 2 is a Peer review of your final project outline and AI used to prepare for your midterm exam.
- Unit 3 is a Peer review of your final project presentations and Venn Diagram
- Unit 4: Sharing Observations
Final Project
For the final project, you will choose one of the textbook chapters not covered in weekly materials and 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.
There will be a 4 step Final Project.
- Step 1 – due in Unit 1 is the topic 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 |
|---|---|
| Practice Evaluation Quizzes (weekly required 8-question practice quizzes, ungraded) | 0 |
| Weekly Quick Self-Check (15 x 0.5 points) | 7.5 |
| Midterm Exam (Units 1 and 2) | 21 |
| Final Exam (Units 3 and 4) | 24 |
| Week 1 Discussion: Video Introduction | 2 |
| Unit 1 Discussion: Biochemical Scenarios | 4 |
| Unit 2 Discussion: Final Project Outline Peer Review | 4 |
| Unit 2 Discussion: Using AI to Study | 4 |
| Unit 3: Final Project Presentation Peer Review | 4 |
| Unit 3 Discussion: Venn Diagram - Integration of Course Content | 4 |
| Unit 4 Discussion: Sharing Observations | 4 |
| Final Project Unit 1: Chapter | 0.5 |
| Final Project Unit 2: Outline | 2 |
| Final Project Unit 3: Rough Draft | 3 |
| Final Project Unit 4: Presentation | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 93 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 92.9% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89.9% | 3.50 |
| B | 83 – 86.9% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 82.9% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79.9% | 2.50 |
| C | 73 – 76.9% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 72.9% | 1.75 |
| D | 60 – 69.9% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 59.9% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Course Schedule: Fall 2026
Week 1: Sep 2 – Sep 8
Week 2: Sep 9 – Sep 15
Week 3: Sep 16 – Sep 22
Week 4: Sep 23 – Sep 29
Week 5: Sep 30 – Oct 6
Week 6: Oct 7 – Oct 13
Week 7: Oct 14 – Oct 20
Week 8: Oct 21 – Oct 27
Week 9: Oct 28 – Nov 3
Week 10: Nov 4 – Nov 10
Week 11: Nov 11 – Nov 17
Week 12: Nov 18 – Nov 24
Week 13: Nov 25 – Dec 1
Week 14: Dec 2 – Dec 8
Week 15: Dec 9 – Dec 15
Below is a general overview of the Units. For more a detailed outline please follow the weekly instructions within Brightspace.
UNIT 1 (Weeks 1 – 4) |
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Unit 1 Assessments
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| Weeks |
Readings |
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Week 1: Foundations of Biochemistry |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry, 31st Ed.
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Week 2: Protein Building Blocks |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry, 31st Ed.
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Week 3: The Architecture of Proteins |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry, 31st Ed.
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Week 4: Oxygen Transport, Enzyme Fundamentals, and Vitamin‑Derived Cofactors |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry, 31st Ed.
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UNIT 2 (Weeks 5 – 7) |
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Unit 2 Assessments
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Week 5: Metabolic Regulation and Enzyme Kinetics |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
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Week 6: Bioenergetics: From Thermodynamics to the Mitochondrial Powerhouse |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
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Week 7: Metabolism and Hormonal Control of Energy Balance |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
Midterm Exam: Review textbook, learning materials, and study guides |
UNIT 3 (Weeks 8 – 11) |
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Unit 3 Assessments
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Week 8: From Glucose to the TCA Cycle: Core Pathways, Their Regulation, and Clinical Connections |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
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Week 9: Glycogen Metabolism, Gluconeogenesis, and Glucose Homeostasis |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
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Week 10: Alternative Carbohydrate Pathways: Pentose‑Phosphate, Fructose, and Galactose Metabolism |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
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Week 11: Fatty‑Acid Mobilization, Mitochondrial Oxidation, and Ketone‑Body Metabolism |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
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UNIT 4 (Weeks 12 – 15) |
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Unit 4 Assessments
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Week 12: Acetyl Co-A carboxylase and Fatty‑Acid Synthesis |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
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Week 13: Plasma Lipoproteins and the Molecular Basis of Lipid Transport |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
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Week 14: Cholesterol Biosynthesis, Bile Acids and Clinical Correlates |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 31st edition
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Week 15: Final Exam and Final Project |
Final Exam: Review textbook, learning materials, and study guides |
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.
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.
UNE Libraries
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
Further Assistance
Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.
Policies
Attendance Policy
6- to 8-week courses: Students taking online courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
10+ -week courses: Students taking online courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office. Review the full attendance policy.
Assignments
Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3-point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Proctored Examinations
Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.
Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback on exam questions.
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.
All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.
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.
Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 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 due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.
Grade Policy
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.
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.