CHEM& 131: Introduction to Organic/Biochemistry

Class Program
Credits
5
Weekly Contact Hours
6
Course ID
091532
Meets Degree Requirements For
Natural Science with Lab
Description

Introductory organic and biochemistry satisfying allied health
and transfer agriculture program requirements. A study of the principal functional groups of organic chemistry, nomenclature, physical properties, basic reactions, and their applications to living systems. Covers the principal classes of biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids). Includes laboratory.

Prerequisites

CHEM& 121 or equivalent

Course Learning Outcomes

Core Topics

 

  1. Definition of organic and biochemistry, organic nomenclature, representing organic structures, geometric considerations, conformational flexibility, and isomerism. Alkanes
    Lab: Check in, Making of a Hand Cream
  2. Alkenes and aromatic systems – structure, nomenclature, physical properties, reactivities and pertinent examples
    Lab: Structural formulas/Organic functional groups (model building)
  3. Alcohols, ethers, and analogs – structure, nomenclature, physical properties, reactivities and pertinent examples. Amines - structure, nomenclature, physical properties, reactivities and prevalence in alkaloid drug molecules.
    Lab: Organic nomenclature (model building and identification)
  4. Compounds containing the carbonyl – aldehydes and ketones: structure, nomenclature, physical properties, reactivities and pertinent examples, the importance of oxidation and reduction in organic and biochemistry
    Lab: Representative reactions for several organic functional groups/families
  5. Compounds containing the carbonyl – acids and acid derivatives, including esters, amides, and phosphoesters: structure, nomenclature, physical properties, reactivities and pertinent examples
    Lab: Synthesis of esters and aspirin
  6. Proteins and Enzymes – naming, structure, function, and uses
    Lab: Biochemistry pot luck
  7. Carbohydrates – naming, structure, reactivity, biologic function, and uses. Important monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides
    Lab: Carbohydrates and lipids
  8. Lipids – naming, physical properties, reactivities, emphasizing triglycerides, complex lipids of the cellular membrane, steroids, and lipid transport
    Lab: Carbohydrates and lipids continued
  9. Nucleic acids – variety, structure, function, and role in information transfer. Replication, transcription, and translation
    Lab: Soap
  10. Regulation of gene expression and/or carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism/energy generation
    Lab: Check out