Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Course Description

Biochemistry is an ever-growing field with enormous amounts of new information being gathered every year. That means you can’t possibly learn everything there is to know about biochemistry; instead, we will focus on how to learn biochemistry and make sure you have foundational knowledge about the structure and function of the four essential biopolymers: nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. We will focus on the structure of these molecules, because a thorough understanding of their structures will facilitate your comprehension of how they function.

THROUGH YOUR WORK IN THIS COURSE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO :

  • visualize and describe the structures of the four major biopolymers(1,3)
  • describe, on a molecular level, how biochemical structures form and how structure relates to function(1,2)
  • perform and understand fundamental biochemical techniques(1)
  • interpret biochemical data(2)

Student Outcomes

This course is also designed to help you develop a broader skill set including the ability to:

  • recognize the links between molecular details, global biological function, and everyday life(1,3)
  • think creatively to work towards reasonably answering new scientific questions(1)
  • self-direct your learning, particularly in terms of identifying and inquiring about biochemical questions(4)
  • work collaboratively with others, recognizing the benefits of multiple voices in problem-solving(5)
  • critically evaluate scientific information and claims(2)

Our department learning goals state for the time you graduate from DePauw with a major in Chemistry or Biochemistry are the following:

1. You will be able to develop and execute actionable, quantitative approaches to problems and projects of a chemical or biochemical nature, drawing both from fundamental content knowledge and an understanding of how science is done.
2. You will be able to critically evaluate the scientific evidence supporting an argument.
3. You will be an effective communicator of chemical concepts and appreciate various ways you can use your chemical knowledge to make positive contributions to society.
4. You will have developed positive life skills and habits from your coursework, co-curricular and research experiences.
5. You will have an appreciation for the contributions of others and be adept at working within a diverse group of scientists.

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