Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Official General Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

CHM 247 - Biochemistry


A study of the chemical and physical properties of biomolecules occurring in living organisms including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids.  Enzyme kinetics particularly emphasized.  Experiences in the laboratory involve the application of techniques used in biochemical investigations.

Prerequisite- Corequisite
Prerequisites:  CHM 245 Organic Chemistry I
 

Credits: 4
Hours
3 Class Hours, 3 Laboratory Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Understand how chemical models can be developed and tested on the basis of empirical evidence and the scientific method.
2.  Recognize that modern chemical science is based upon the idea of atoms, their combination in compounds, and their recombination in the course of chemical reactions.
3.  Understand that atomic, molecular and ionic particles are in constant motion.
4.  Realize that physical and chemical properties of matter result from subatomic particles that behave according to physical rules not apparent in the behavior of macroscopic objects, and they must realize the importance of spectroscopy in establishing this behavior.
5.  Understand how atoms combine in covalent molecules, coordination complexes and ionic solids, and understand the importance of the 3-D arrangements of atoms and ions in these molecules.
6.  Understand the principal laws of thermodynamics and how these dictate the behavior of chemical substances.
7.  Possess a mental library of common substances, their physical properties, and reactions that they undergo.  The major classes of organic chemicals and their reactions, the characteristic reactions of other elements of the periodic table, solubility, acid/base, and redox chemistry all must be familiar to students.
8.  Understand how the study of the rates of chemical reactions and the structures of the products of these reactions can lead to knowledge of the detailed atomic-level behavior of chemical substances and elucidation of their chemical and physical properties.
9.  Use their knowledge of chemical reactivity to plan and execute the preparation of compounds from common starting materials.
10.  Have the necessary knowledge and strategies for the separation, identification and quantification of compounds and elelments from complex mixtures.  Students must also be able to identify uncertainties associated with these measurements.
11.  Use traditional and modern laboratory equipment to measure chemical and physical properties of substances and to be able to correlate the resulting data with chemical models of structure and reactivity.
12.  Understand the fundamental physical and chemical principles involved in instrumental chemical analyses.  Students must understand the chemistry relevant to sampling and sample preparation and must apply these to the successful operation of instruments regardless of model or manufacturer.
13.  Work independently using their own hands and intellect to solve chemical problems with traditional and modern laboratory tools.
14.  Know how to retrieve detailed information about chemical and physical properties of substances and accounts of other experimental or theoretical research.