BIOC 301 - Biochemistry I

Course Description

This course is the first in a two-semester course series in Biochemistry. Biochemistry explores the molecular foundations of life, focusing on the structures, mechanisms, and chemical processes shared by all living organisms. Through this course series, students will develop a deep understanding of how biological molecules give rise to life’s functions and complexity.

In the first semester, we will examine the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids; explore enzyme kinetics and mechanisms; and investigate key biochemical processes such as DNA replication, transcription, translation, and major metabolic pathways. Emphasis will be placed on bioenergetics, molecular interactions, and the regulatory strategies used by cells. This course lays the groundwork for understanding the molecular logic of cellular function and prepares students for more advanced studies in life sciences, medicine, or biotechnology.

Recommended follow up: Students who wish to continue their studies and explore the metabolic pathway are encouraged to register for BIOC 302: Biochemistry II in the Spring Session.

Target audience: This course series is meant for students who want to increase their knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology, and have goals of going into graduate school, medical school, or dental school.

Learner Outcomes

When you complete the course successfully, you will be able to:

Describe the chemical structures and properties of the major classes of biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids).
Explain the molecular mechanisms underlying key cellular processes, including enzyme catalysis, metabolic pathways, and information transfer.
Analyze how molecular interactions and regulatory strategies contribute to cellular function and homeostasis.
Apply principles of bioenergetics to predict the direction and regulation of biochemical reactions.
Interpret experimental data related to protein structure, enzyme kinetics, and metabolic processes.
Integrate knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry to understand the molecular logic of life.

Microcredential(s)

This course applied toward the Biomedical Sciences Endeavor digital badge.

Textbook Information

A textbook is available for this course.

Click here to view a textbook list for FAES courses and purchasing information. Please note that tuition does not include textbooks.

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites, but students are recommended to review chemistry and biology topics such as polarity, chemical bonding, mitosis, and gene expression.

Refund

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Scholarship and Funding

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Photo Release

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