Chemistry 103, Biochemical Structure, Reactions, and Energetics, is a one-quarter survey introduction to modern biochemistry.  Emphasis will be placed on those fundamental topics pertinent to the biochemistry of living systems.  Aspects of molecular biology involving the flow of biological information will not be covered (DNA replication, repair, recombination, transcription, translation, recombinant DNA, and cloning technology) nor will photosynthesis.  We will strive for an aggressive reading and lecture schedule, roughly two-thirds of a chapter per lecture from the recommended text (Fundamentals of Biochemistry – Life at the Molecular Level, Third Edition, by Voet, Voet, and Pratt) (ISBN-13  978-0470-12930-2) per lecture.  If necessary, the pace will be varied.  Some topics may be expanded whereas others may be truncated, condensed, or even eliminated.

Two take home exams will be given.  The first will be approximately at mid quarter (Parts 1, 2, and 3 and Chap. 23 of the text) and the second at the conclusion of the quarter (Part 4 of text).  In addition, a special project will be required and is due at the end of the quarter.  Projects may take the following form: (1) Research paper on some aspect of biochemistry; (2) Analysis of a procedure to analyze some aspect of biochemistry; (3) Critique of a paper in the peer reviewed scientific literature; (4) Development of a computer program to enable investigation (modeling) of a biochemical process; (5) Other (by prior approval).