Natural Science 0262 - Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of the molecules and chemical reactions of life. Considering the vast diversity of living organisms, one might also expect them to be composed of significantly different biomolecules, and to use unique mechanisms for obtaining energy and communicating different biological information. To the contrary, the principles and language of biochemistry are common to all life: in general, the same chemical compounds and the same metabolic processes found in bacteria exist in organisms as distantly related as whales. Topics will include the structure and function of proteins and carbohydrates, metabolism and bioenergetics within the context of cells. Most topics will be explored in conjunction with laboratory work. Students enrolling in this course must also enroll in Cell Biology (NS-258).

Independent Work Quantitative Skills Prerequisite: Methods in Molecular Biology or similar biology laboratory introduction. Students are generally expected to spend approximately 12-15 hours per week on preparation and work outside of class time.