CHM 250 - Biological Chemistry

1. Explain the roles of chemical bonding and intermolecular forces in biochemical structures and processes.
2. Explain how general and organic chemistry applies to biological systems.
3. Explain the relationships between biochemical monomers and their polymeric forms.
4. Compare and contrast biochemical structural features with their functions and reactions.
5. Demonstrate the structural and functional roles of enzymes and cofactors.
6. Explain the relationships between biochemical pathways and human physiology in order to predict the fate of biochemicals in an organism.

1. Biochemistry Overview
   1. Measurements
   2. Chemistry Basics
   3. Intermolecular Forces
   4. Water
   5. Acids and Bases
   6. pH
   7. Buffers
   8. Blood Buffering
2. Carbohydrates
   1. Monosaccharides
   2. Disaccharides
   3. Polysaccharides
3. Lipids
   1. Triglycerides
   2. Phospholipids
   3. Sphingolipids
   4. Sterols
   5. Eicosonoids
   6. Waxes 
4. Proteins
   1. Amino Acids
   2. Peptides
   3. Proteins
5. Enzymes
   1. Substrate bonding/active site
   2. Reactions/ideal conditions
   3. Enzyme kinetics
   4. Enzyme inhibition/activation
6. Metabolism
   1. Catabolism
   2. Anabolism
   3. Bioenergetics
   4. Free energy change
   5. Coupled reactions
   6. Oxidation reduction reactions
7. Glucose Metabolism
   1. Glycolysis
   2. Fate of pyruvate
   3. Citric Acid Cycle
   4. Electron Transport System
   5. Oxidative Phosphorylation
   6. ATP equivalents
8. Lipid Metabolism
   1. Beta Oxidation
   2. ATP production
9. Nucleic Acids
   1. Nucleic Acids Building Blocks
   2. DNA
   3. RNA
   4. Replication
   5. Transcription
   6. Translation

Classroom discussion and group work: 5-20%

Classroom demonstration/experiments/problems: 5-20%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None

1.  Essential judgment skills include the ability to identify, assess, and comprehend situations for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.  Specifically, students must be able to:

• Apply mathematical concepts to solve problems
• Discern relevant and irrelevant information when solving problems
• Express knowledge of the appropriate level of chemistry in written and/or  verbal formats
• Draw conclusions based on knowledge and experimental results.

2. Essential communication skills include the ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, and all members of the Physical Sciences department. Specifically, students must be able to:

• Understand written and verbal direction when completing tasks and assignments associated with the lecture portion of science courses
• Understand written and verbal directions when following all Departmental safety rules and procedures
• Use information technology skills consistent with effective communication.

3.  Essential emotional coping skills include the ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of scientific discovery.  Specifically, students must be able to:

• Engage in multitasking without becoming overly stressed
• Collaborate with group members to complete a task in the classroom 
• Cooperate with others and work in groups or alone as indicated by a particular course

4.  Essential intellectual/conceptual skills include the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of Chemistry. Specifically, students must be able to:

• Select appropriate methods to solve mathematical problems
• Use a calculator to complete calculations
• Use a computer to generate graphs and reports
• Analyze complex graphical data and/ or concepts
• Express an understanding of the concepts learned in chemistry in written form or verbally

5. Other essential behavioral attributes include the ability to engage in activities consistent with safe practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair behavior or judgment. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the Physical Sciences Department and as a developing professional in the field of chemistry consistent with accepted standards of practice.

Grand Rapids Community College strives to be more than ADA compliant. We strive to be accessible and welcoming to all students of all abilities. After reviewing the Essential Abilities/Technical Standards for this program; your responsibilities as a student entail determining if you can complete all associated coursework either:

1. With Accommodation. I am otherwise qualified to meet the same academic standards as any other student entering the program. However, based on a medically documented condition or diagnosis, I would qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). I will meet with Disability Support Services on campus to arrange those accommodations in an interactive process with the department of Physical Sciences.
    
2. Without Accommodation. I am able to complete the program without need for reasonable accommodation or modification. In the event my medical documentation reveals otherwise or a condition manifests that would necessitate an accommodation; it is my responsibility to inform a responsible authority figure within the department of (field of study) and work with Disability Support Services to see if a reasonable accommodation or modification can be made.

If you have a medically documented condition or diagnosis, please contact the (field of study) office, or contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at disability@grcc.edu or by phone at 616.234.4140 to arrange accommodations through our interactive process.