Syllabus
Post Baccalaureate in Pre-Health
CHEM 1005: Medical Biochemistry – Accelerated – Fall 1 2023
Credits - 4
Description
This online course is designed for Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Medical, and other students who are entering a medical profession. This course differs from most traditional biochemistry courses in several ways. The focus is human medical biochemistry. The course is limited to what is known about humans and disregards plant and most microbial systems. It emphasizes human metabolism. Students develop an appreciation of metabolism during the fed, fasting, and starved state. A substantial number of medical cases are included to demonstrate the relevance of biochemistry to health and disease. The goal of this course is to learn the core concepts of biochemistry that apply to human health and disease and to cite specific examples of their application. The student will be able to analyze and evaluate the most common biochemistry cited in medical literature. Furthermore, these basics will facilitate further learning in biochemistry and the health sciences.
Course pre-req: one semester of college biology and one year of college chemistry that includes one semester of organic chemistry.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Course Objectives
Upon the completion of this course the student will be able to:
- 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.
- Evaluate 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.
- Describe the synthesis of nucleotides from carbon donors and how this process is coupled with DNA synthesis and nitrogen metabolism.
- Interpret the role and regulation of the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids in normal physiological conditions and the changes that occur in disease processes.
Learning Outcomes for Science Prerequisites for Health Professions Program
In lecture courses, students should be able to:
- Communicate scientific concepts and information clearly.
- Illustrate fundamental laws, theories, and principles of scientific disciplines.
- Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to scientific problems.
In lab courses, students should be able to:
- Ask a question or define a problem that can be tested.
- Hypothesize possible result(s).
- Plan and/or conduct an investigation individually and/or collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence.
- Analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models (i.e. computational, mathematical, graphical, etc.) in order to make valid and reliable scientific claims or determine an optimal design solution.
- Communicate the results by constructing an explanation based on multiple pieces of valid and reliable evidence obtained from a variety of sources (including students’ own investigations, models, theories, simulations, peer review) and the assumption that theories and laws that describe the natural world operate today as they did in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
- Apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence gained from various experiments, as well as other observations and/or research, to provide an explanation of phenomena and solve design problems, taking into account possible unanticipated effects.
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 Quizzes
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. Doing well on the quizzes will help prepare you for both the non-proctored formative exams and the proctored summative exams.
Final exam
You must purchase the UNE Compliant External Webcam to take your proctored examination.
The final exam is closed book and closed notes. You may use a UNE-authorized whiteboard during the exam. A calculator is not necessary for this or any of the course assessments. If using the UNE-authorized whiteboard, you must first show your proctor that your whiteboard is clear at the beginning of your testing session. You must also erase your whiteboard in front of the proctor before disconnecting from your session. If you do not do this, your exam will not be credited. You will not have access to any material saved on your or any other computer. No access to the internet or other communication devices are allowed during these exams. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.
Final Exam
You will have two attempts for the Final Exam.
Discussion Board Posts (Introduction and Pathway Responses)
There are three required discussion board posts. The first is an introduction post in which you practice using video screencasting that you will need to complete assignments later in the course.
Case Connections
There are four required application exercises — called “Case Connections.” The Case Connections assignments are written assignments. In all cases, assignments should be original work. These are to be submitted through Brightspace. The problems for these assessments require the application of knowledge gained in the course, and you can utilize resources to help address the questions asked. You will be assessed for both the correct answer as well as for the quality of your rationale for choosing or not choosing an answer. Do not use these connection questions as part of your discussion board posts. Your course allows for a possible second attempt with quizzes and/or assignments. Please contact your course instructor if you wish to utilize another attempt. Further details about these assignments can be found within the course.
Integrated Case Activity
There is one Integrated Case Activity, a clinical presentation that requires the application and integration of content across units. These assessments should be original work that utilizes additional resources to help address the questions asked. Further details about these assignments can be found within the course.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Quizzes (7 at 4 points each) | 28 |
| Course Discussions (3 at 5 points each) | 15 |
| Case Connections (3 at 50 points each) | 150 |
| Integrated Case Study Draft | 20 |
| Integrated Case Study Final | 80 |
| Final Exam | 140 |
| Total | 433 |
Schedule
Course Schedule
Week 1: Sep 6 – Sep 12
Week 2: Sep 13 – Sep 19
Week 3: Sep 20 – Sep 26
Week 4: Sep 27 – Oct 3
Week 5: Oct 4 – Oct 10
Week 6: Oct 11 – Oct 17
Week 7: Oct 18 – Oct 24
Week 8: Oct 25 – Oct 31
| Week | Modules | Due Dates |
| 1 |
Module 1: Basics of Enzymes and Clinical Uses Module 2: Enzyme Kinetics and Regulation |
Assignments Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM EST |
| 2 |
Module 3: Free Energy and the Electron Transport Chain Module 4: Overview of Metabolism and Hormone Signaling |
Assignments Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM |
| 3 |
Module 5: Glycolysis and the TCA Module 6: Glycogen Synthesis, Degradation and Gluconeogenesis |
Assignments Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM |
| 4 |
Module 7: Pentose Phosphate Pathway, Galactose and Fructose Metabolism Module 9: β-Oxidation and Ketogenesis |
Assignments Tuesday by 11:59 PM EST |
| 5 |
Module 10: Fatty Acid Synthesis Module 11: Lipoprotein Metabolism |
Assignments Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM |
| 6 |
Module 12: Cholesterol Synthesis and Regulation Module 13: Protein Turnover and the Urea Cycle |
Assignments Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM |
| 7 |
Module 14: Special Products from Amino Acids Module 15: Purine and Pyrimidine Synthesis |
Assignments Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM |
| 8 |
Final Exam Integrated Case Study Final |
Assignments Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM |
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
Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. 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
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 the ProctorU Chrome or Firefox extension and are using the most current version of Chrome or Firefox. 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 use ProctorU and must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited.
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.